Drug-Resistant ‘Superbugs’ Increasing Across North Carolina, Health Officials Warn
RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina health officials are sounding the alarm over a sharp rise in drug-resistant bacterial infections, warning that so-called “superbugs” are spreading faster than new antibiotics can be developed.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled these antibiotic-resistant pathogens as one of the world’s top public health threats — and experts say the trend is now becoming increasingly visible across North Carolina.
Superbugs Turning Routine Infections Deadly
“These bacteria don’t respond to the first-line antibiotics that doctors often use,” said Dr. Thomas Holland, an infectious disease specialist at Duke University Hospital. “Things that we could normally treat relatively easily, like urinary tract infections or staph infections, are becoming harder to treat.”
The most common antibiotic-resistant infection in the U.S. remains MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), which can cause skin infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. Holland said newer threats are also emerging — including Candida auris, a fungal pathogen that has shown alarming resistance to treatment.
CDC Reports 460% Increase in Dangerous Superbug
Recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show a dramatic 460% increase in infections caused by NDM-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (NDM-CRE) between 2019 and 2023.
These bacteria have been linked to pneumonia, urinary tract infections, wound infections, and bloodstream infections, and are especially dangerous for hospitalized or immunocompromised patients.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has also reported a steady rise in drug-resistant cases statewide, reflecting national trends.
Why Resistance Is Growing
Dr. Holland told WRAL News that several factors are fueling this surge, including:
- Slow antibiotic development: “We’re not keeping pace with how fast bacteria and fungi are evolving,” he said.
- Overuse of antibiotics: Taking antibiotics for viral infections, such as colds or flu, can accelerate bacterial resistance.
- Limited surveillance: “We have to invest in better testing to track what’s out there — in patients, hospitals, and even livestock.”
- Warming temperatures: Climate change is enabling tropical diseases and resistant fungi to spread northward.
“We live in a warming environment,” Holland said. “Infections that weren’t normally seen in North Carolina are now appearing here.”
The Human Toll and Global Risk
The CDC estimates that 2.8 million drug-resistant infections occur in the U.S. each year, leading to approximately 35,000 deaths.
Doctors warn that these infections can turn routine medical procedures — from surgeries to childbirth — into dangerous events if effective antibiotics are unavailable.
A Call for a Coordinated Response
Holland emphasized that while the trend is concerning, it does not warrant panic. Instead, it requires long-term action through better hygiene, targeted prescribing, and continued research investment.
“This is not a stay-in-your-home situation,” he said. “This requires a large societal response over time. Wash your hands and practice good hygiene — that’s one of the most effective ways to prevent spreading these bugs.”
Health agencies are urging hospitals, veterinarians, and the public to work together to limit unnecessary antibiotic use and strengthen infection monitoring systems across the state.
Residents who want to stay informed about North Carolina’s ongoing health initiatives and prevention strategies can follow updates at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
