WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a series of public health updates last week, reporting a steep rise in dangerous drug-resistant bacteria, troubling increases in newborn syphilis cases, and an expanded Listeria outbreak linked to prepared meals.
A new report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows infections from NDM-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (NDM-CRE) rose more than 460% between 2019 and 2023. These bacteria, resistant to nearly all available antibiotics, can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, and wound infections that are difficult to treat and often deadly.
“This sharp rise in NDM-CRE means we face a growing threat that limits our ability to treat some of the most serious bacterial infections,” said Danielle Rankin, an epidemiologist in CDC’s Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion.
The agency urged healthcare providers to test promptly, strengthen infection control measures, and use targeted therapies.
On sexually transmitted infections, provisional 2024 data revealed newborn syphilis cases climbed for the 12th straight year, with nearly 4,000 reported — up almost 700% since 2015. While overall reported STIs fell 9% from 2023, CDC officials said disparities remain across regions and populations.
“While the STI epidemic may be turning a corner, we must accelerate progress and stop its most tragic consequences,” said Bradley Stoner, M.D., Ph.D., director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention.
Meanwhile, CDC expanded its food safety alert on a multistate Listeria outbreak. Three more illnesses and another death were reported. FreshRealm recalled beef meatball marinara linguine meals after tests linked them to the outbreak strain. Officials warned consumers not to eat affected products and to disinfect refrigerators and surfaces that may have been exposed.
CDC stressed that Listeria poses a heightened risk to pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can appear up to 10 weeks after exposure.
The agency continues to monitor outbreaks and urged the public to stay alert to food safety notices, practice preventive healthcare, and report suspicious illnesses to state health departments.
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