The CDC is sounding the alarm over a dramatic rise in highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as NDM-CRE, which have surged more than 460% in the U.S. since 2019. These bacteria can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, and wound infections, and are resistant to nearly every available antibiotic. With limited treatment options, the agency warns they pose a “serious risk for patients” and could prove deadly if left unchecked.

Researchers note that gaps in infection control and a lack of rapid testing may be fueling the spread, since delayed detection leads to slower treatment and missed chances to contain outbreaks. Once considered rare in the U.S., these infections are now emerging at alarming levels, leaving infectious disease experts deeply concerned. “Lives will be lost,” warned Dr. Susan Huang of UC Irvine, stressing the trajectory must be taken seriously before it spirals further.

SOURCE: MSN