The Silent Spread of CRAB Raises Concerns in Nursing Homes and Medical Centers Across the Midwest

Nursing Homes and Rehabilitation centers across the Midwest have been informing visitors and patients of a new CRAB outbreak in the midwest. 

CRAB is an infection that is making it's way into nursing homes and medical pavillions and it's causing concern. Acinetobacter is a group of bacteria (germs) commonly found in the environment, like in soil and water. Infections caused by Acinetobacter rarely occur outside of healthcare settings.

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) are bacteria resistant to nearly all antibiotics and difficult to remove from the environment. As a result, CRAB can cause deadly infections and large outbreaks among hospitalized patients and nursing home residents.

Acinetobacter baumannii can cause infections in the blood, urinary tract, lungs (pneumonia) or wounds. In some cases, people can carry the bacteria without being infected, known as colonization.(1)

In the United States, patients in healthcare settings are at highest risk, especially those who:

• Are on breathing machines (ventilators).
• Have devices such as catheters.
• Have open wounds from surgery.
• Are in intensive care units.
• Have prolonged hospital stays.

People who have weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease or diabetes may be more susceptible.

CRAB can spread via contact with contaminated surfaces or contaminated equipment, including person-to-person contact, often via contaminated hands. 

To prevent the spread of CRAB Healthcare workers are instructed to keep rooms on a daily cleaning schedule and remind patients and visitors to often wash their hands. Gloves can often help prevent the spread as well as often cleaning surfaces and areas of frequent hand traffic. (2)

If an outbreak is suspected the silence doesn't help protect anybody and should always be reported to the CDC for infectious tracking. The CDC is providing testing to identify antimicrobial resistance cases, measure resistance and track transmission in a healthcare setting through the Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory Network. (1)

Stay informed - and if you're visiting or working in a nursing home or healthcare facility that may be affected, do your best to keep your hands clean and off random surfaces so you don't bring it home with you. 

Educate others in noticing the symptoms such as;

• Fever.
• Red, swollen, warm, or painful skin areas or wounds.
• An area of orange, bumpy skin with blisters.
• Cough, chest pain, or trouble breathing.
• Burning feeling while you urinate.
• Sleepiness, headaches, or a stiff neck.(3)

If you may have been exposed to crab and are experiencing these symptoms, please see a healthcare professional immediately. The threat level for CRAB is above that of Candida Auris and should be reported immediately. 

Source: 

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC (.gov) - https://www.cdc.gov/acinetobacter/about/index.html
2. NACCHO - CRAB Fact Sheet - https://share.google/jMtsyn0P4zd5Kqg4Y
3. Drugs.com - Baumannii Infection - https://www.drugs.com/cg/acinetobacter-baumannii-infection.html#symptoms