In Incheon, the number of cases of infection with so-called "superbacteria" that are resistant to antibiotics has exceeded 1,200 so far this year.
According to the Incheon city government on May 22, there were 1,233 reported cases of infection with CRE (Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae), a type of superbacteria, from January to April this year. The number of CRE infection cases in the region has been increasing, with 2,983 cases in 2023 and 3,649 cases last year.
CRE is called a superbacteria because it is resistant to existing antibiotics such as carbapenems. It is known to spread through contact with infected individuals or contaminated medical equipment. When infected, it can cause various diseases such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections, and the fatality rate is high, so special caution is required.
To prevent the spread of CRE infections, the city plans to launch the "CRE Infection Reduction Strategy Operation Project" starting in July, in cooperation with five general hospitals and seven long-term care hospitals in Incheon designated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, to systematically implement infection control measures.
An official from the Incheon city government stated, "Currently, CRE infections are spreading not only in Incheon but nationwide. We will strengthen proactive monitoring, epidemiological investigations, and reduction strategies to prevent the spread of infection."
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