CDC Sounds Alarm on Antibiotic Resistance

Drug-resistant bacteria cause at least 23,000 deaths in the United States each year. They infect more than 2 million people every year. And a focused campaign is needed to keep antibiotic resistance from wiping out our ability to cure infectious disease, U.S. health officials say. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched that campaign with a report and news conference. Officials listed 3 types of bacteria as an “urgent” threat and others as less urgent but still worrisome. The report outlines how antibiotic resistance has increased the risks of dialysis, cancer treatment and surgery. Excess use of antibiotics is the main cause. Up to half of the antibiotics prescribed in the United States are not necessary, the report said. It also called for an end to the use of antibiotics to promote growth of livestock.