Infection rates of drug-resistant 'nightmare bacteria' in the U.S. have increased nearly 70% from 2019 to 2023, with a significant rise in cases caused by bacteria carrying the NDM gene, which are difficult to treat and resistant to only two costly antibiotics.

The CDC warns that the actual number of cases is likely underestimated due to incomplete testing and reporting across many states and hospitals, and many carriers remain unrecognized, raising concerns about community spread.

Early symptoms of carbapenem-resistant infections often resemble common illnesses, including urinary issues, fever, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

These resistant infections are primarily occurring in hospital settings, with about 12,700 infections and 1,100 deaths reported in 2020, earning the nickname 'nightmare bacteria' due to their resistance and severity.

The CDC stresses the importance of specialized testing to quickly identify resistant genes like NDM, which is crucial for timely treatment and preventing further spread.

Factors such as poor hand hygiene, inadequate cleaning, limited testing, and lack of detection tools have contributed to the rise of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections, delaying diagnosis and effective treatment.

The global issue of NDM bacteria is particularly prevalent in South Asia, especially India and Pakistan, and varies across Europe, Africa, and Latin America, often linked to antibiotic overuse, weak regulation, and poor sanitation.

Additional environmental concerns include emerging beach bacteria hotspots and cases of rare flesh-eating bacteria, highlighting the broader health impacts of antibiotic resistance.

Previous reports, including one from June, have documented a rise in NDM cases, notably in New York City, with ongoing data from 2019 to 2024 indicating this is a growing national health issue.

Experts warn that antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a serious international threat, spreading through people, food, and animals, necessitating global cooperation to combat this escalating crisis.