Chicago Dept. of Public Health - Health Alert
January 14, 2019
Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-Β-lactamase-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-CRPA) infections among adult patients returning to the United States after undergoing invasive procedures
Summary and Action Items:
- Providers caring for patients with a history of recent invasive procedures in Mexico should be aware of the potential for infections caused by resistant pathogens like VIM-CRPA.
- Report to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) any carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa surgical site infections in patients following invasive procedures in Mexico.
- Patients admitted to healthcare facilities in the U.S. following an overnight stay in a healthcare facility outside the U.S. (within the last 6 months) should undergo rectal screening for carbapenemase-producing organisms.
- Mechanism testing for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and CRPA is available free of charge via the Antibiotic Resistance Laboratory Network. Please contact CDPH prior to submission to obtain approval and a submission code. Email CDPHHAIAR@cityofchicago.org or contact Massimo Pacilli at 312-746-6225.