CRE SCARE IN US AS 2 DIE IN LA

The superbug CRE is playing havoc in the US with approximately 180 people being reported to be exposed to the bacteria’s deadly strain. It is being speculated that the exposure is possibly due to the contaminated medical equipment.

Two deaths have already been reported at the UCLA Medical Center this month while seven are being treated. A similar outbreak last month was reported in Seattle which killed 11 patients.

CRE (Carbapenem – resistant Enterobacteriaceae) belong to the family of bacteria that is generally found in the hospitals and health care facilities. These have evolved and grown resistant to antibiotics.

Although the CDC of US is not sure about the national figure, 47 states have been reported to have seen cases related to the bacteria.

A routine endoscopic procedure is said to be the cause behind the exposure. However UCLA maintains that though the equipment was sterilised two of them still carried the bacteria.