Southern New Jersey impacted by contaminated syringes

(Stanislau_V/BigStock)

(Stanislau_V/BigStock)

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 B. cepacia infection directly linked to a multistate 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 were found among 19 different facilities in the state. The facilities weren’t identified.

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The bacteria can cause fevers, chills, shortness of breath and an abnormal heart rate among other symptoms.

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