CDC Warns of Increase in Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in U.S. Hospitals

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta recently released a report showing the results of data studies from 2012. The data shows that several strains of germs related to E. coli and similar bacteria have developed a resistance to antibiotics and pose a potential danger to sick or injured patients in hospitals. Some of these strains are resistant to even strong antibiotics such as "carbapenems". Carbapenems are generally used as a last resort and under close medical supervision for the specific purpose of avoiding the production of resistant strains. Nevertheless, potentially fatal strains of germs have been behind a number of cases where patients contracted an infection from a medical facility. The numbers aren't high when taking the total number of hospitals and patients into account across the U.S. but there were sufficient numbers of cases occurring in long-term care facilities and hospitals to merit a warning. When it comes to bacteria, a few can become many in a very, very short time when conditions are right. Talk to a medical malpractice lawyer if you contracted an infection while in the hospital.

How do hospital infections occur?

Well individuals are much less likely to contract bacterial infections for two main reasons: one, their immune system is capable of fending off the majority of attacks and two, healthy individuals are usually not in a hospital in a position to be exposed to these infections. Hospitals can serve as vectors for more severe illness-inducing bacteria than other locations but the risk areas can be further narrowed down to contaminated respiration machines, catheters and other such equipment. Avoiding creation of dangerous strains and potentially fatal infections to patients requires more careful use of antibiotics and simple actions such as ensuring all hospital staff properly wash their hands and care for equipment.

You May Be Entitled to Compensation

If you or a loved one got sick due to an infection contracted in a hospital then you may be able to obtain significant compensation. Doctors, surgeons, technicians, nurses, EMTS, pharmacists and others in the medical field must be vigilant about adhering to cleaning and sanitizing procedures to protect the health of those in their care. If a medical professional is negligent in their duty to care for patients then they may be liable for all damages. Contact our team at the Tolson Law Firm to find out what we may be able to do for your medical malpractice case.