The CDC warned that drug-resistant germs pose a growing threat to Americans
The CDC called drug-resistant germs a “growing threat to Americans,” estimating 9.7 million infections and 50,800 deaths annually in the United States. CDC Director Dr. Erica Schwartz said antimicrobial resistance threatens modern medicine. Candida auris, one of four “urgent” threats, had more than 50% growth in reported cases from 2022 to 2023.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned in a report published Tuesday that drug-resistant germs are a “growing threat to Americans.” The agency estimated that drug-resistant bacteria and fungi cause 9.7 million infections and 50,800 deaths each year in the United States. “Antimicrobial resistance threatens modern medicine and puts millions of Americans at risk every year,” CDC director Dr. Erica Schwartz said in a press release.
Four germs are in the “urgent” category, the agency’s highest level of concern. One is Candida auris, a fungus that can cause mild skin infections or severe, potentially life-threatening bloodstream infections. Reported C. auris cases rose more than 50% from 2022 to 2023, the CDC said. The fungus primarily affects seriously ill patients in hospitals and nursing homes and can spread through medical equipment such as breathing tubes or catheters.
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Verifier’s note
ABC News reports that the CDC called drug-resistant germs a growing threat to Americans and estimated they cause 50,800 U.S. deaths annually. Its report was published the same day as the proposed event.