Arkansas health officials confirm outbreak at cancer center

Pine Bluff, Ark — The Arkansas Department of Health has confirmed that 52 patients recently treated at Arkansas Cancer Institute have tested positive for a previously unknown bacterial infection, and more than 100 others are at risk.

Three patients who tested positive for the infection have died, though it’s unknown whether their deaths were caused by the bacteria or other illnesses, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported.

The Pine Bluff treatment center outbreak was discovered among people who have ports, or implanted devices that give access to the bloodstream to administer medication or help draw blood.

“We expect these numbers to rise above 52, but how much more, we don’t know,” said Arkansas state epidemiologist Dr. Dirk Haselow.

Those identified as being at risk have been screened and are awaiting results, he said.

Patients who tested positive for the bacteria will undergo a two-week course of antibiotics and monitoring, according to Haselow.