What's happened
As of early October 2025, drug-resistant bacterial infections, especially those carrying the NDM gene, have surged sharply in the US, with cases rising over fivefold since 2019. Australian researchers developed a new phage therapy targeting Enterobacter infections. In Asia, resistant bacteria cause nearly 80% of newborn sepsis cases, while Kerala, India, faces a deadly outbreak of brain-eating amoeba infections. West Nile virus and mosquito-borne diseases also rise in the US and Europe.
What's behind the headline?
Rising Threat of Drug-Resistant Bacteria
The dramatic increase in infections caused by bacteria carrying the NDM gene signals a critical failure in antibiotic stewardship and infection control. These bacteria render last-resort antibiotics ineffective, leaving only two costly intravenous drugs as treatment options. The surge, particularly in the US, is likely exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic's surge in antibiotic use, which accelerated resistance development.
Hospital Hygiene and Infection Spread
The CDC's findings that hospital cleanliness directly impacts infection rates underscore systemic issues in healthcare settings. The fact that a patient's risk depends heavily on their hospital room's prior occupant reveals lapses in sanitation protocols, contributing to thousands of deaths annually.
Innovation in Treatment: Phage Therapy
Australian researchers' development of Entelli-02, a phage cocktail targeting Enterobacter cloacae complex, represents a promising clinical tool against antimicrobial-resistant infections. This tailored approach could revolutionize treatment where antibiotics fail, offering hope amid rising resistance.
Global and Regional Implications
In Asia, resistant bacteria cause nearly 80% of newborn sepsis cases, with limited new antibiotics in development, highlighting a looming crisis in neonatal care. Kerala's outbreak of Naegleria fowleri infections, though rare, is deadly and spreading beyond traditional hotspots, emphasizing the need for vigilant public health measures.
Vector-Borne Diseases on the Rise
The increase in West Nile virus cases in the US and chikungunya in Europe, driven by environmental factors and climate change, adds complexity to infectious disease management, stressing the importance of integrated surveillance and prevention strategies.
Forecast and Impact
Without urgent global coordination to improve antibiotic use, hospital hygiene, and investment in novel treatments, drug-resistant infections will continue to rise, threatening public health worldwide. Individuals should be aware of infection risks in healthcare settings and vector-borne diseases, adopting preventive measures where possible.
What the papers say
The New York Post highlights the alarming 70% rise in carbapenem-resistant infections in the US between 2019 and 2023, driven by bacteria with the NDM gene, noting that only two expensive IV antibiotics remain effective. It emphasizes hospital hygiene failures as a key factor in spreading infections, quoting CDC data on patient risk linked to hospital room contamination. The Independent echoes these concerns, detailing the fivefold increase in NDM cases and the challenges posed by limited treatment options, while also reporting on the increased risk of severe conditions like myocarditis in children after COVID reinfections.
Australian research, reported by The Independent, introduces Entelli-02, a phage therapy targeting drug-resistant Enterobacter infections, marking a significant scientific advance. This contrasts with the grim CDC data, offering a hopeful avenue for treatment.
South China Morning Post and The Independent report on the high prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria causing newborn sepsis in Asia, stressing the urgent need for updated treatment guidelines and new antibiotics, as current WHO recommendations are outdated for these regions.
Coverage from Gulf News, South China Morning Post, and Al Jazeera details Kerala's outbreak of the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri, with rising cases and deaths in 2025. They describe the amoeba's deadly nature, transmission through contaminated water, and public health responses including chlorination and awareness campaigns.
AP News and The Independent report on a surge in West Nile virus cases in the US, particularly Massachusetts and Colorado, attributing the rise to a higher proportion of infected mosquitoes rather than increased mosquito populations. Politico highlights the spread of chikungunya in France, linked to tiger mosquitoes expanding due to climate change, raising concerns about vector-borne diseases becoming endemic in Europe.
Together, these sources provide a comprehensive picture of the multifaceted infectious disease threats facing glob
How we got here
Antimicrobial resistance has escalated due to misuse of antibiotics, leading to 'nightmare bacteria' resistant to last-resort drugs like carbapenems. The NDM gene, which destroys antibiotics, has driven a sharp rise in infections in the US since 2019. Globally, resistant bacteria threaten newborns in Asia and complicate hospital infections. Meanwhile, rare but deadly infections like Naegleria fowleri amoeba in Kerala and mosquito-borne diseases in the US and Europe highlight ongoing infectious disease challenges.
Go deeper
- What is the NDM gene and why is it dangerous?
- How does hospital cleanliness affect infection rates?
- What is phage therapy and how can it help fight resistant bacteria?
Common question
-
Why Are Mosquito-Borne Diseases Increasing in Europe?
Recent reports highlight a worrying rise in mosquito-borne diseases across Europe, especially in countries like France. With climate change expanding mosquito habitats and increasing infection rates, many are asking: what's causing this surge? How can we protect ourselves? Here are the key questions and answers to understand this growing health concern.
-
What Are the Latest Trends in Public Health and Disease Spread?
Recent developments in public health reveal a rise in mosquito-borne illnesses across Europe and North America, driven by climate change and environmental factors. From increasing cases of West Nile virus in the US to the surge of chikungunya and dengue in France, understanding these trends is crucial for staying safe. In this page, we explore the current outbreaks, how climate impacts disease spread, and what precautions you should take, especially if you're traveling. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about these emerging health threats.
-
What Are the Biggest Public Health Challenges Today?
Public health faces numerous challenges as diseases evolve and environmental factors change. From rising mosquito-borne illnesses to debates over free speech in commercial spaces, understanding these issues is crucial. Below, we explore the key questions shaping today's health landscape and what individuals can do to stay safe and informed.
-
What’s Causing the Amoeba Outbreak in Kerala?
Kerala is currently facing a concerning rise in amoeba infections caused by Naegleria fowleri, often called the 'brain-eating amoeba.' This deadly outbreak has led to multiple deaths, including among infants and adults, raising questions about how this parasite spreads and what can be done to prevent it. If you're wondering what’s behind this alarming trend and how it might affect you or your loved ones, read on for clear answers and essential information.
-
What Are Naegleria Fowleri and West Nile Virus?
Recent outbreaks of brain-eating amoeba and West Nile virus have raised concerns worldwide. These infections are linked to environmental factors and climate change, making it important to understand what they are, how they spread, and how to stay safe. Below, we answer common questions about these dangerous pathogens and the current health risks they pose.
-
Why Are Drug-Resistant Bacteria and Deadly Amoebae on the Rise?
Recent reports reveal a concerning increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the US and a surge in deadly amoebic infections in Kerala. These developments pose serious public health risks and raise questions about how communities can prepare for future outbreaks. Below, we explore the causes, risks, and latest efforts to combat these emerging threats.
-
Why Are Drug-Resistant Bacteria Increasing in the US?
The rise of drug-resistant bacteria in the US is a growing public health concern. Experts point to factors like increased antibiotic use during COVID-19 and the spread of bacteria carrying the NDM gene, which makes infections harder to treat. Curious about what’s driving this trend and what can be done? Below, we answer common questions about this alarming development and what it means for your health.
-
What Are the Risks of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria for the Public?
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, often called 'superbugs,' are becoming a serious threat to public health. With rising cases of infections that no longer respond to standard antibiotics, many wonder how this impacts everyday life. In this page, we'll explore the risks, how healthcare facilities are fighting back, and what you can do to stay safe from these dangerous bacteria.
-
Why Are Drug-Resistant Bacteria Spreading So Fast Worldwide?
The rise of drug-resistant bacteria is a growing global health crisis. Cases are surging in the US, Asia, and beyond, driven by bacteria that evade even last-resort antibiotics. This page explores why resistance is spreading so rapidly, what the NDM gene is, and what new treatments are emerging. If you're wondering how this affects vulnerable populations like newborns or what the future holds, keep reading for clear answers.
-
What Are the Latest Global Health Threats and Medical Innovations?
Recent developments in global health reveal alarming rises in drug-resistant bacteria, innovative treatments like phage therapy, and new challenges in managing infections worldwide. Curious about how these threats impact us and what new solutions are emerging? Below, we explore key questions about antimicrobial resistance, cutting-edge medical research, and the health challenges faced across different regions.
-
How Do Recent Legal and Medical Developments Impact Society Today?
Recent headlines reveal significant shifts in legal policies and medical breakthroughs that are shaping our world. From changes in immigration detention practices to alarming rises in drug-resistant bacteria, these developments raise important questions about their implications for public health, justice, and daily life. Below, we explore some of the most pressing questions to help you understand these evolving issues.
-
Why Are Drug-Resistant Bacteria Increasing Worldwide?
The rise of drug-resistant bacteria is a growing global health crisis. From hospitals to newborns, resistant infections are becoming more common and harder to treat. But what’s driving this surge, and what can be done about it? Below, we explore the key factors behind the increase in resistant bacteria and what new treatments are emerging to combat them.
More on these topics
-
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a national public health institute in the United States. It is a United States federal agency, under the Department of Health and Human Services, and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
-
Naegleria fowleri, colloquially known as a "brain-eating amoeba", is a species of the genus Naegleria, belonging to the phylum Percolozoa, which is technically not classified as true amoeba, but a shapeshifting amoeboflagellate excavate.
-
Emory University is a private research university in Atlanta, Georgia. Gregory L. Fenves, formerly the president of UT Austin, became Emory University’s twenty-first president in August of 2020.
-
Kerala is a state on the southwestern Malabar Coast of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, following the passage of the States Reorganisation Act, by combining Malayalam-speaking regions of the erstwhile states of Travancore-Cochin and Madras.
-
Fort Collins is a municipality in northern Colorado, which serves as the seat of Larimer County. Situated on the Cache La Poudre River along the Colorado Front Range, Fort Collins is located 56 mi north of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver.
-
West Nile virus is a single-stranded RNA virus that causes West Nile fever. It is a member of the family Flaviviridae, from the genus Flavivirus, which also contains the Zika virus, dengue virus, and yellow fever virus.
-
Veena George is an Indian politician and current Minister for Health and Family Welfare in the Government of Kerala. She is elected from Aranmula constituency to the Kerala Legislative Assembly representing Communist Party of India.
-
Thomas R. Frieden is an American infectious disease and public health physician. He serves as president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, a $225 million, five-year initiative to prevent epidemics and cardiovascular disease.
He was the director of the U.S.
-
New York is a state in the Northeastern United States. New York was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. With more than 19 million residents in 2019, it is the fourth-most-populous state.