Fast Stats - January 2020

Dec. 19, 2019

In the report, The Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019, the continuing impact of antibiotic-resistant (AR) germs on people and communities is highlighted. Last published in 2013, it now features 18 germs of concern; a watch list with three threats; the latest numbers of AR infections and deaths; and actions to prevent, treat and stop the spread of AR infections. Findings:

2.8 million+

antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the U.S. each year, and more than 35,000 people die as a result.

2,868,700

infections or at least 35,900 deaths are estimated to be caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi each year.

223,900 cases

or 12,800 deaths of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) are related to antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance.

30,000 cases

of invasive pneumococcal disease and 3,000 deaths were prevented by the PCV13 vaccine from 2010 to 2013 alone. 

47 million

antibiotic courses are estimated to be prescribed each year for infections that don’t need antibiotics.

$300 million+

is invested in 59 state and local health departments to detect and prevent resistant threats.

350+

partners are engaged globally through the Antimicrobial Resistance Challenge.

550,000

drug-resistant infections are estimated to occur each year.

2 million+

pneumococcal infections occur each year in the U.S., resulting in more than 6,000 deaths and $4 billion in total costs.

Source: CDC. Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; 2019.