UK Superbug Deaths Soar by 17% as Antibiotic Resistance Crisis Deepens
The number of deaths linked to antibiotic-resistant superbugs has skyrocketed by 17% in England last year, according to shocking new figures released by the UK Health Security Agency. The alarming increase, which brings the total number of resistant infections to nearly 400 cases per week, is a stark warning that the ongoing crisis of antimicrobial resistance shows no signs of abating.
The data also reveals a concerning rise in private prescriptions for antibiotics, with 22% dispensed through the private sector in 2024 - a significant jump from previous years. The Pharmacy First scheme, a flagship policy introduced by the government to allow patients to be prescribed antibiotics for common illnesses without seeing a GP, is widely seen as a major contributor to this trend.
Experts warn that the misuse of antibiotics can accelerate the emergence of drug-resistant strains, which are becoming increasingly difficult to treat. "Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest health threats we face," said Prof Susan Hopkins, chief executive of the UKHSA. "More people than ever are acquiring infections that cannot be effectively treated by antibiotics. This puts them at greater risk of serious illness and even death."
The UKHSA data reveals a concerning rise in cases of bacteraemia - a life-threatening infection where bacteria circulate in the blood - caused by antibiotic-resistant strains, with 20,484 cases reported last year compared to just 18,740 the previous year. This represents a staggering 9.3% increase.
The estimated number of deaths linked to resistant infections has also risen dramatically, from 2,041 in 2023 to 2,379 in 2024 - an additional 338 lives lost to antibiotic-resistant superbugs last year alone.
While some experts welcome the decline in NHS primary care antibiotic use over the past five years, many are sounding the alarm about the risks of the Pharmacy First scheme. "It's positive that we've seen antibiotic use fall in England within the NHS but we need to go further, faster," said Prof Hopkins.
The number of deaths linked to antibiotic-resistant superbugs has skyrocketed by 17% in England last year, according to shocking new figures released by the UK Health Security Agency. The alarming increase, which brings the total number of resistant infections to nearly 400 cases per week, is a stark warning that the ongoing crisis of antimicrobial resistance shows no signs of abating.
The data also reveals a concerning rise in private prescriptions for antibiotics, with 22% dispensed through the private sector in 2024 - a significant jump from previous years. The Pharmacy First scheme, a flagship policy introduced by the government to allow patients to be prescribed antibiotics for common illnesses without seeing a GP, is widely seen as a major contributor to this trend.
Experts warn that the misuse of antibiotics can accelerate the emergence of drug-resistant strains, which are becoming increasingly difficult to treat. "Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest health threats we face," said Prof Susan Hopkins, chief executive of the UKHSA. "More people than ever are acquiring infections that cannot be effectively treated by antibiotics. This puts them at greater risk of serious illness and even death."
The UKHSA data reveals a concerning rise in cases of bacteraemia - a life-threatening infection where bacteria circulate in the blood - caused by antibiotic-resistant strains, with 20,484 cases reported last year compared to just 18,740 the previous year. This represents a staggering 9.3% increase.
The estimated number of deaths linked to resistant infections has also risen dramatically, from 2,041 in 2023 to 2,379 in 2024 - an additional 338 lives lost to antibiotic-resistant superbugs last year alone.
While some experts welcome the decline in NHS primary care antibiotic use over the past five years, many are sounding the alarm about the risks of the Pharmacy First scheme. "It's positive that we've seen antibiotic use fall in England within the NHS but we need to go further, faster," said Prof Hopkins.
The latest numbers on superbugs in the UK are terrifying... 17% more deaths from resistant infections is crazy! 
And the fact that private prescriptions for antibiotics have skyrocketed by 22% this year? 
It's like we're playing a deadly game of musical chairs, where one wrong move and you're toast. 
The Pharmacy First scheme might've been well-intentioned, but it's clearly led to more antibiotic misuse, and that's having devastating consequences. 
What's the plan to tackle this crisis? We need some serious anti-resistance meds in development ASAP! 
so many ppl are gonna die from this antibiotic resistance crisis 
and im not even talking about the NHS stats which r even more alarming 2,379 deaths last year alone?! that's crazy 
. it's like, we're not even close to being able to treat these infections anymore. and those private prescriptions for antibiotics? yikes 
. we need to be super careful about how we use antibiotics and make sure we're not making these superbugs even more resistant to them 
this is just getting outta hand 
and it's not just that - the rise in private prescriptions for antibiotics is nuts 
22% of all prescriptions are now coming from the private sector?!?! 
this is a disaster waiting to happen... i mean, we can't even treat our own people properly with these superbugs. what's next? 
It's like they say: "use it and lose it"... for your health, at least 
.
We need to rethink how we're using these meds or we'll be toast. Mark my words 
! And it's not just the NHS primary care antibiotics that are a problem - all those private prescriptions for meds are really worrying me too 
. It's all about the risks of resistant strains now... 400 cases per week?! That's, like, crazy! 
. The fact that private prescriptions for antibiotics are through the roof (22% jump) is also alarming 
. It's like we're playing a game of 'antibiotic roulette' 
, where we're essentially betting our health on whether or not these resistant infections will kick in 
.
. This is a wake-up call, people! Let's get serious about saving our lives 
, but hey prof hopkins is right tho, antibiotic resistance is like, the worst thing ever