Overview

• From February 2024 to January 2025, the UK reported 19,239 C. difficile infections, marking the highest annual total since 2011/12.
• In 2023/24, the bacterium caused 2,164 deaths in the UK, equating to a 12.9% fatality rate among confirmed cases.
• Patients face a 25% chance of recurrence after an initial infection, rising to 40% after a second and 60% after a third episode.
• Recurrent C. difficile cases cost the NHS an estimated £19,000 to £31,000 each, straining healthcare budgets.
• The inquiry will span hospital and community settings to uncover where infection control measures broke down.