The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an alert about a drug-resistant strain of bacteria that is spreading across the United States. The CDC is warning that the bacteria, known as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), is becoming increasingly common and is resistant to many antibiotics.
CRE is a type of bacteria that is found in the gut and can cause serious infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and urinary tract infections. The bacteria is resistant to many antibiotics, making it difficult to treat.
The CDC estimates that about 4 percent of all Enterobacteriaceae infections in the United States are now resistant to carbapenem antibiotics, and the number is rising. The CDC is urging healthcare providers to be aware of the risk of CRE and take steps to prevent its spread.
The CDC recommends that healthcare providers use infection control measures to prevent the spread of CRE, such as hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and contact precautions. Healthcare providers should also be aware of the signs and symptoms of CRE infections and report any cases to local and state health departments.
In addition, the CDC recommends that healthcare providers consider using alternative antibiotics to treat CRE infections. The CDC also recommends that healthcare providers consider testing for CRE in patients who are at risk for infection, such as those who have recently been hospitalized or had surgery.
The CDC is urging healthcare providers to take steps to prevent the spread of drug-resistant bacteria, such as CRE. By following the CDC’s recommendations, healthcare providers can help reduce the risk of infection and protect their patients from this dangerous bacteria.