Archive · 24 Sep 2025
Nightmare Bacteria Infections in US Rose by 69%
Imagine tiny bugs called bacteria becoming super strong against medicines, like they have an invisible shield.
These superbugs, also known as nightmare bacteria, are causing more and more infections.
From 2019 to 2023 the cases went up by almost 70%!
The problem is a special gene called NDM that makes the bacteria tough to kill.
Since only two medicines work, it's hard to get rid of them.
The government is concerned since these bacteria can be deadly.
Infections from "nightmare bacteria" rose 69% between 2019 and 2023.
The increase is driven by bacteria carrying the NDM gene.
Carbapenem-resistant infections rose from 2 to over 3 per 100,000.
NDM cases increased 460% during the same period.
Only two antibiotics are effective against these infections.
- Who
- CDC researchers
- What
- Alarming rise in "nightmare bacteria" infections
- When
- Between 2019 and 2023
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Spread of NDM gene and increased antibiotic use
General Public
Medical Professionals
Antibiotic Use
General Public
Over-reliance on antibiotics may contribute to resistance.
Medical Professionals
Antibiotics play an important role in saving lives.
- Bacteria Type
- NDM-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (NDM-CRE)
- Rise in Cases (2019-2023)
- 69%
- Key Factor
- NDM gene
- NDM Cases Rise (2019-2023)
- 460%
- Effective Antibiotics
- Two
Sources
What is Nightmare Bacteria? Drug-Resistant Superbug Cases Rising Rapidly in the US
What is Nightmare Bacteria? Drug-resistant pathogen rapidly increasing in the US
Deadly ‘nightmare bacteria’ cases witness a spike in the US: Signs and symptoms to know
