Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Cre)

Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are a group of bacteria resistant to carbapenem antibiotics, which are often last-resort drugs. These highly drug-resistant 'superbugs' primarily affect critically ill patients in healthcare settings like hospitals and nursing homes, leading to severe, hard-to-treat infections.

Countries Affected

No data

Recent Cases (30d)

Active Outbreaks

N/A

Last Updated

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What is Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Cre)?

Although antibiotic resistance has been known for decades, significant carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae emerged as a serious global public health threat in the early 2000s. Its rise highlighted the urgent need for new antibiotics and stricter infection control measures to combat this rapidly evolving 'superbug.'

Symptoms

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Painful urination, frequent urge to urinate, fever.
Pneumonia: Cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills.
Bloodstream Infection (Sepsis): Fever, chills, rapid heart rate, confusion.
Wound Infection: Redness, swelling, pain, pus at the surgical or wound site.

Transmission

CRE primarily spreads through direct contact with an infected or colonized person, often via contaminated hands of healthcare workers. It can also spread indirectly through contact with contaminated surfaces (e.g., bed rails, medical equipment) in healthcare environments. It is not typically airborne.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

Hand hygiene: Frequent handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially in healthcare settings.
Contact precautions: Use of gloves and gowns by healthcare workers when caring for CRE-infected patients.
Environmental cleaning: Thorough disinfection of patient rooms and medical equipment.
Antibiotic stewardship: Prudent use of antibiotics to prevent resistance development.
No vaccine is available for CRE.

Active Outbreaks & Recent Cases

Real-time intelligence from global health monitoring and AI-powered surveillance

Data sources: BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies

No Active Outbreaks Detected

Our AI-powered surveillance hasn't detected significant Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Cre) activity in the past 30 days.

Real-time monitoring continues 24/7 across BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ global health agencies

What This Means

Currently, Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Cre) case counts are within baseline expectations globally. However, diseases can emerge rapidly, which is why continuous monitoring is critical.

Stay Prepared

Download the Virus Watcher app to get instant alerts if Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Cre) activity increases in your region or travel destinations.

Prevention Remains Important

Even without active outbreaks, understanding Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Cre) prevention helps protect you and your community:

Hand hygiene: Frequent handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially in healthcare settings.
Contact precautions: Use of gloves and gowns by healthcare workers when caring for CRE-infected patients.
Environmental cleaning: Thorough disinfection of patient rooms and medical equipment.
Antibiotic stewardship: Prudent use of antibiotics to prevent resistance development.
No vaccine is available for CRE.

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Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

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Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

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Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-19

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