CDC Issues Urgent Warning on Nightmare Bacteria: Here's What You Should Know

U.S. health authorities are raising concern about an alarming increase in extremely drug-resistant infections, aka the nightmare bacteria, that are increasingly difficult to treat. A sharp increase in these deadly germs, which are spreading rapidly and killing people, was reported by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This public health emergency has led to a harsh warning by the CDC, calling on healthcare professionals as well as the general public to take urgent action to counter the spreading menace.

What Is Nightmare Bacteria All About?

The nightmare bacteria are a collection of germs called Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). These germs, such as E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, have become resistant to carbapenems, a potent group of antibiotics that are usually a last resort for serious infections.

The CDC has used the sensational term nightmare deliberately and also because:

• They can readily transfer their resistance genes to other bacteria, forming new, incurable threats.
• They create severe infections in critical sites such as the blood, lungs, and urinary tract.
• They have developed resistance to most antibiotics, so treatment is a losing battle.

Causes of the Nightmare Bacteria

The present surge in CRE infections is due to a combination of factors. One of the most important drivers is the misuse of antibiotics, something that has been a persistent problem in both human healthcare and agriculture. The excessive use has unintentionally promoted the development of resistant germs. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic created a legacy of susceptibility, given that extended hospitalisation and liberal use of antibiotics among critical care patients provided ideal breeding conditions for such resistant organisms. International travel also contributes, as resistant bacteria can readily be carried across borders.

Also Read: Daytime Sleep Attacks Like Jimmy Kimmel? Learn About Narcolepsy’s Hidden Symptoms

Identifying the Early Warning Signs

Finding a CRE infection early is challenging since the symptoms usually resemble those of more prevalent diseases. According to the reports, the symptoms vary with the location of the infection:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Look for a burning sensation while urinating, frequent urination, fever, or cloudy urine.
• Pneumonia (Lung Infection): The symptoms are a chronic cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and fever.
• Bloodstream Infections (Sepsis): These are the most severe and may arrive with high fever, chills, confusion, a fast heart rate, or perilously low blood pressure.

In case you have these symptoms, it's important to immediately seek medical care and notify your doctor of any recent hospitalisation or protracted illness. Lab tests are the only means of verifying a CRE infection.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Prevention is the best protection against this quiet menace. While healthcare workers are on the frontlines of the battle, the public is not far behind. Here are a few ways you can protect yourself:

• Practice good hygiene: Basic measures such as regular and proper handwashing with soap and water are your most powerful weapons.
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotics: Don't push your doctor for antibiotics for viral infections such as the common cold or flu. Always finish the whole course of any antibiotics that are prescribed to you, even if you begin to feel improved.
• Stay informed: If you or a family member is hospitalised, take notice of the risks and do not hesitate to ask health staff about their hygiene and infection control procedures.

Bottomline

Nightmare bacteria are becoming a problem in the U.S. since they are resistant to nearly all antibiotics. It makes infections difficult to treat and even deadly. The reasons are mainly overusing antibiotics and the spread iof germs n hospitals. To be safe, wash your hands frequently and use medicines only when necessary.