KIRKSVILLE, MO -- A drug resistant “superbug” is now lurking in the United States and could make its way to the heartland. The bug known as NDM-1 is present in Massachusetts, California and Illinois. Three people with reported cases all had medical treatment in India before coming to the U.S.
Kirksville Physician Justin Puckett said while the bug has not reached Missouri or Iowa, it is important to be aware of its presence.
“Bacteria like the family of bacteria that this is, they have a much shorter lifespan and so as long as you’re doing good personal hygiene, this isn’t something that’s going to blow-up across the country” said Puckett. “This is something that’s slowly going to spread. I think it’s certainly something for us to be aware of and know it exists.”
NDM-1 is found inside bacteria and is resistant to antibiotics so it’s hard to treat. Puckett said just like any other bacteria, there are ways to help prevent it.
“I think certainly washing your hands, making sure you stay home when you’re sick, whenever you sneeze you cover your mouth and you’re your hands after sneezing and just mandatory normal hygiene will help certainly prevent the bacteria of any virus, including this family with this known resistance” said Puckett.
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