A cluster of serious invasive Serratia marcescens infections was identified in a California State Prison Facility from 2020 ? 2022. Investigation into the cluster revealed a majority of cases reported recent injection drug use. Environmental investigation revealed several opportunities for enhancement of environmental disinfection practices. Learn how mitigation strategies, including patient education on risks of IDU, substance use disorder treatment, and improved environmental disinfection practices, were effective in reducing the incidence of infections.

Educational Objectives

• Describe the risk factors for infection with Serratia marcescens and other opportunistic environmental pathogens
• Summarize case identification strategies using the investigative process
• Discuss mitigation strategies for infection prevention and control

Level: Intermediate