Overview

• CDC researchers reported 4,341 carbapenem-resistant infections in 2023 across 29 states, including 1,831 involving the NDM gene.
• The rate of carbapenem-resistant infections rose from just under 2 to more than 3 per 100,000 people between 2019 and 2023, while NDM-linked cases climbed from about 0.25 to 1.35 per 100,000.
• The dataset excludes several populous states such as California, Florida, New York and Texas, so experts say the national burden is likely underestimated.
• Scientists warn many people may carry NDM-producing bacteria without symptoms, raising the risk that routine infections like urinary tract infections become harder to treat outside hospitals.
• Limited testing capacity in many hospitals hinders rapid detection and containment, and public health experts cite pandemic-era antibiotic use and ongoing misuse as key contributors to rising resistance.