Memo indicates six patients with likely "Elizabethkingia" cases treated at Waukesha Memorial Hospital

WAUKESHA COUNTY -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is investigating a statewide outbreak of bloodstream infections caused by "Elizabethkingia." Friday, March 4th Waukesha Memorial Hospital confirms they have had six patients with positive blood cultures indicating Elizabethkingia infection -- and are now awaiting confirmation from the CDC.

According to ProHealth Care, all six patients had come to the emergency department at Waukesha Memorial Hospital in recent weeks with symptoms of infection. Symptoms can include fever, shortness of breath, chills and cellulitis.

In addition to Waukesha County, Elizabethkingia cases have been reported in Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sauk and Washington Counties. Most of the patients acquiring this infection are older than 65, and all patients have a history of at least one underlying serious illness.

ProHealth Care's infectious disease experts are closely following this outbreak and are working closely with state health officials.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.