Earlier this month, we told you the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling for urgent action to stop the spread of a new super bug called CRE. It kills up to half the patients who get it in their blood streams. To learn more we visited Doris Dimmitt - epidemiologist for Carson Tahoe Hospital. She says these type of super bugs are scary because they are resistant to antibiotics and they have the ability to give their powers to other bacteria.
The CDC says last year 200 health care facilities treated at least one infected patient. Carson Tahoe hasn't had any reported cases.
And you might be surprised where this bacteria comes from. "These bugs are generally made inside of a person. The CRE's are very common to the intestinal flora. It's normal bacteria that lies in everybody's intestine. And it's important, you need it there. It helps keep you blanched. It helps with digestion. All kinds of things like that. But when patients are exposed over and over and over and over to different antibiotics and the antibiotics get progressively stronger, your own intestinal normal flora comes resistant to the antibiotics. And that's where these CRE's are coming from."
The best way to keep yourself safe? Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer with alcohol especially if you're visited a hospital.
Written By Wendy Damonte
