Bacterial infections at the Jersey Shore linked to contaminated syringes

State health officials say at least 10 people in Atlantic County and three in Ocean County have contracted a bacterial infection stemming from the use of contaminated medical supplies.

The Press of Atlantic City reports New Jersey has seen 52 cases of Burkholderia cepacia, a bloodstream infection, directly linked to a multi-state outbreak currently under investigation by state and federal health officials.

The New Jersey Department of Health issued warnings to long-term health care facilities last month regarding possible contamination from saline flush syringes made by Texas-based supplier Nurse Assist.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials say the cases involving patients who have histories of receiving medications via central lines were found among 19 different facilities in the state. The facilities weren’t identified.

But all that received the product were contacted by the New Jersey Department of Health in late September and told to discontinue using the products, according to a state release .

The bacteria can cause fevers, chills, shortness of breath and an abnormal heart rate among other symptoms, a CDC fact sheet advises, noting past incidents involving contaminated mouthwash, over-the-counter nasal spray, and sublingual probes in an intensive care unit.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.