Antibiotic-Resistant 'Superbugs' Surge, Cases Exceed 40,000 in 2024 | Be Korea-savvy

Antibiotic-Resistant ‘Superbugs’ Surge, Cases Exceed 40,000 in 2024


Cases of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant so-called 'superbugs' are showing an increasing trend. (Yonhap)

Cases of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant so-called ‘superbugs’ are showing an increasing trend. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Jan. 20 (Korea Bizwire) —  Cases of antibiotic-resistant infections in South Korea surpassed 40,000 last year, marking the highest level since monitoring began, according to data released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) on Sunday.

A total of 42,827 cases of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections were reported in 2024, an 11.5% increase from 38,405 cases in 2023. The elderly population, particularly those aged 60 and older, accounted for over 80% of the infections.

Growing Public Health Threat

CRE infections, caused by bacteria resistant to at least one carbapenem antibiotic, are challenging to treat and primarily spread through direct or indirect contact in healthcare settings, including contaminated medical equipment.

Since the inclusion of CRE in nationwide surveillance in 2017, cases have risen sharply from 5,717 that year to more than sevenfold in 2024.

The mortality rate has also climbed. While 661 deaths were linked to CRE infections in 2023, provisional data from the first half of 2024 recorded 439 fatalities, suggesting another record-breaking year. Final figures for 2024 will be released in June 2025.

Cases of antibiotic-resistant infections in South Korea surpassed 40,000 last year. (Image courtesy of Pixabay/CCL)

Cases of antibiotic-resistant infections in South Korea surpassed 40,000 last year. (Image courtesy of Pixabay/CCL)

Global and Domestic Concerns

The surge mirrors global trends, attributed to aging populations, increased reliance on long-term care facilities, and the misuse of antibiotics. South Korea’s antibiotic prescription rate, though declining, remains about 1.2 times higher than the OECD average as of 2021.

Misuse persists, with antibiotics prescribed for viral infections such as colds increasing from 32.4% in 2022 to 41.4% in 2023 amid a resurgence of influenza.

Call for Action

Health experts warn that the rapid rise in CRE cases underscores the urgent need for stronger infection control measures, rational antibiotic use, and public awareness campaigns to curb the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Without decisive action, the burden of superbugs is expected to escalate, posing significant challenges for healthcare systems in South Korea and worldwide.

Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)

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