The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that someone in the United States is dying every 15 minutes from a superbug that is resistant to antibacterial drugs.
Each year, more than 35,000 deaths occur from antibiotic-resistant infections, according to the 2019 ‘Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States’ report.
The new report placed five antibiotic-resistant superbugs on the urgent threat list of the CDC, up from the three superbugs listed in the 2013 report.
On Thursday, CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield tweeted, “Today’s #CDCARthreats Report demonstrates notable progress, yet the threat is still real. Join us in this important mission to effectively communicate the risks posed by antibiotic resistance & the role each of us has in combating this threat.”
“This report from CDC, the second of its kind, presents data about the top 18 pathogens that require attention now,” Added. Dr. Redfield. “It emphasizes that antibiotic resistance is a One Health issue that can spread through people, animals, and the environment…and affects nearly every aspect of life.”
According to genetic studies, superbugs have become smart and have started teaching each other how to outsmart antibiotics.
Health officials have been urging physicians to recommend antibiotics to their patients only when they absolutely need it. “Our nation must stop referring to a coming post-antibiotic era – it’s already here,” said Dr. Redfield. “You and I are living in a time when some miracle drugs no longer perform miracles and families are being ripped apart by a microscopic enemy.”
