A new threat might be on the horizon in hospitals, as ‘superbug’ infections are on the rise among children after years of being suggested that they pose as no threats.
- CRE is highly infectious and can spread easily through touch or hospital equipment
- According to the CDC, it’s lethal in almost 50% of cases
- The infection has now a threat to children, rising from essentially 0% chance to 0.47%
There are many issues that could occur out of ‘superbugs’ found in hospital. The problem is now lifting to the surface and in the face of a population that is growing more resistant to antibiotics. Multiple bacteria have managed to evolve, and certain medication no longer works. It places lives in peril, and will continue until the situation is remedied.
A new infection is now threatening children, switching from its more common target, which was adults. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (or CRE) is one of the most frequently encountered infections in hospitals and long-term care centers. It’s considered a ‘superbug’, as, like a few choice others, it’s highly resistant to antibiotics.
CRE is highly infectious and can be spread through touch. It can go from patient-to-doctor and then from doctor-to-patient, which is highly more common in hospitals. This is due to the fact that there are a number of patients with compromised immune systems, who can serve as vessels. The symptoms vary, but often include fever and chills.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is particularly lethal. The death rate is around 50%, which makes it particularly dangerous since that means that one out of every two infections is deadly. However, the superbug is now a threat to children as well.
The researchers gathered data from 1999 to 2012, analyzing the number of CRE infections in the United States. The rates increased from virtually 0% to 0.47% in just three years. This became much more common, an increase from nothing to 4.5% in young children between 1 to 5 years old. According to the researchers, CRE infections that are prone to being resistant to antibiotics are more common around Chicago.
This has been a wakeup call that demanded more study toward the evolution of superbugs. They’re not only becoming more skillful at fighting medication, but are also apparently expanding their area of spreading the disease. According to Dr. Latania Logan, who is an assistant professor of pediatrics, it’s vital to know which children are at high risk.
It’s as important as finding the cause of their resistance, as well as making sure hospitals are informed of patients who are known CRE carriers. The patient should be placed in isolated care in order to prevent further spreading.
Image source: thetimes.co.uk
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