Alarming Spike of Antibiotic-Resistant Infections in Missouri

There is an urgent alert about a rise of antibiotic-resistant infections in Missouri that can affect a victim's blood, urinary tract and lungs. The concern is that while cases are on the rise, there are few treatments that have proven effective.

I saw this bulletin from the Missouri Department of Health that was just issued the past few days. They say they have detected a spike in cases of Carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. The Centers for Disease Control says this bacteria "can also “colonize” or live in a patient without causing infections or symptoms, especially in respiratory secretions (sputum) or open wounds".

What is so dangerous about this infection that is on the rise in Missouri?

The Missouri Department of Health says that a victim can have Acinetobacter baumannii with little indication that there is any problem with few if any symptoms yet still transmit it to other people. This is especially a problem in nursing homes and hospitals where those with compromised health issues and/or immune systems could be exposed to this bacterial infection.

According to the bulletin, there are suddenly 28 cases of this infection in Missouri. 74% of the patients with the infection were male with the average age of around 64 years old.

You can see the incredible increase in cases early in 2024.

The alarm about the rise in cases of this antibiotic-resistant bacteria is that "no known effective therapy exists" according to the Missouri Department of Health.

For more information and updates, check out the bulletins from the Missouri Department of Health.