The genus includes four species: A 2014 study revealed that Elizabethkingia is an emerging bacterial pathogen for hospital environments, with its incidence in intensive care units rising since 2004.

Combined with a lack of effective therapeutic regimens, this leads to high mortality rates.

[11] One of the more significant risk factors for Elizabethkingia is whether mechanical ventilation was used with the patient.

Recent studies suggest that approximately 31% of children that have Elizabethkingia pass away from the infection, with an average life expectancy of 27 days from onset of symptoms.

[12] For the children who recover from Elizabethkingia, about 48% report typical development and full recovery.