Over 400 Cases Of Potentially Fatal Superbug Found In Ireland This Year

This year has seen a 42% increase in the number of patients detected with a bacteria that can be resistant to antibiotics.

The National Public Health Emergency Team published a report that says there have been 401 new cases of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) detected this year.

CPE is one of the newest superbugs, according to the NPHET.

Of all the superbugs, CPE is the most difficult to treat using antibiotics. 

Last year, there were a total of 282 cases found in Ireland, compared to 401 this year.

According to the NPHET, the spreading of this particular superbug can lead to beds and wards in hospitals having to be closed.

More than half of all patients who develop blood stream infections from the superbug die as a result, according to The Journal. 

Earlier this year, Health Minister Simon Harris declared the CPE superbug as a public health emergency.

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