Mendoza hospital investigation follows meningitis outbreak

Health authorities in Mendoza, Argentina, have launched an epidemiological investigation following a meningitis outbreak at a private hospital. The outbreak, linked to the bacterium Serratia marcescens, has resulted in the deaths of two adult patients who had undergone surgery at the facility.

Two other patients tested positive for the pathogen but are currently out of danger, while six additional patients under observation have been cleared of infection. Because Serratia marcescens is not transmitted through respiratory routes but via direct contact, investigators are focusing on healthcare-associated contamination.

Preliminary hypotheses suggest the contamination may have occurred in the operating room. Officials are examining potential sources such as contaminated surgical instruments, shared supplies, or fluids, including anesthetics and infusion solutions. The operating room remains closed while authorities await results from environmental cultures.