July 2, 2013
Once thought to be eradicated, infectious diseases have returned with a determined vengeance. Many of the antibiotics that once defeated the bacteria that caused many infectious diseases have been rendered useless, as the bacteria have evolved in such a way that makes them resistant. According to a 2009 article in the New England Journal of Medicine, nearly 3 million kilograms—about 6.6 million pounds—of antibiotics were given to humans that year. A year later, twice as much—about 13 million kilograms—were given to animals. Other reports suggest that about half of the antibiotics prescribed in 2010 were not even needed. Antibiotic resistance is so worrisome to many infectious disease and other health experts that it even earned a spot in the World Economic Forum’s 2013 Global Risks Report.
Super bugs are particularly dangerous to seniors and others with low immune systems, so it is important to talk to your loved one’s physician about how to effectively prevent and treat infectious diseases. With more attention and research, members of the medical community do believe there is hope in our fight against “super bugs.” Read the full article to learn more.
Additionally, a new super bug has been discovered in the U.S., carrying a fatality rate of up to 50%. The germs called Enterobacteriaceae, or CRE, are resistant to even the strongest antibiotics and have already been found in hospitals in 42 states. Find out more about this frightening new outbreak in this article.