Johnson requests information from CDC on Wisconsin outbreak

In the wake of the Elizabethkingia anophelis outbreak that has killed 17 people in Wisconsin and infected 54 people, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) has requested information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) regarding it’s official response.

“I understand the CDC is working with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to investigate the source of the outbreak,” Johnson said. “I appreciate your assistance with this matter.”

Johnson is looking for is insight into how the CDC was made aware of the infections in Wisconsin, as well as other information concerning the number of employees the organization has allocated to its response.

Johnson also inquired about the state of past Elizabethkingia anopheles outbreaks and has requested information about previous incidents.

“As you know, infections of these bacteria have led to the deaths of 17 Wisconsinites and 54 Wisconsinites overall have been infected,” Johnson said. “A Michigan resident also died recently as the result of an infection. The outbreak, which began in November 2015, is the largest recorded outbreak to date. The infections reportedly occur primarily among the elderly who may have weakened immune systems due to other conditions. Although officials currently do not know the source of the outbreak, past infections have been tied to bacteria found in tap water. The CDC is apparently examining medicines and personal care products used by the infected individuals to identify the source of the outbreak.”