The United States has recently been hit by a drug-resistant superbug that can cause a rapid fatality, even in individuals who are generally healthy.
Health experts are raising concerns about the highly virulent strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae known as hvKp.
World Health Organization Warns About Superbug
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the superbug has been detected in 16 countries, including the United States.
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According to the World Health Organization, hvKp infections are known for their high morbidity and mortality rates, along with limited antibiotic options due to their high pathogenicity.
Drug-Resistant Bacteria
The WHO has stated that the superbug has “the capacity to generate outbreaks” and there are only “very limited antimicrobial treatment options” available.
It is unclear where hvKp has been found in the United States, as the WHO did not disclose any specific locations.
Superbug Kills Quickly, Even Healthy People
According to LiveScience, this superbug refers to a bacteria that is resistant to drugs and has the potential to cause fatal infections that progress rapidly, even in individuals with strong immune systems.
According to Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security, the heightened virulence displayed by specific strains of K pneumoniae can lead to a surge in both morbidity and mortality rates caused by this bacterium.