New state committee forms to address antibiotic resistant bacteria
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — It can spread to you, your family, your co-workers. It is so bad, the Center for Disease Control calls it a growing crisis across the world.
We’re talking about antibiotic resistant bacteria or germs. Now, there is a new committee, with one goal: protecting you.
Dr. Sara Blosser, is Director of Clinical Microbiology with the Indiana State Department of Health.
“They are becoming more and more of a problem here in Indiana, across the country, and around the world,” Dr. Blosser said regarding antibiotic resistant bacteria and germs. “We see more and more types of antibiotic resistance emerging every year.”
In Indiana alone, there were more than 350 cases of the drug-resistant germ C-P-C-R-E in 2016 according to Dr Blosser. Another 220 cases were reported this year as of December 5th.
“It is something they’ve coined ‘The Nightmare Bacteria.’ This is something where we need more antibiotics and we need more awareness of how to prevent the spread of these types of bugs,” Dr. Blosser said.
Which is where the new State Antibiotic Resistant Committee comes in. Forming now, the 12-member group will be made up health professionals from across Indiana, including doctors.
“I asked them to bring one need, one idea, one tool they think is essential to stopping the spread of antibiotic resistance in their practice on a daily basis,” Dr. Blosser explained.
Created by the Indiana State Department of Health, the committee actually costs Indiana taxpayers nothing. The members volunteer their own time to do this.
“We’re hoping these are tangible items that we can then start to investigate, and how to combat in the upcoming years,” Dr. Blosser said. It’s a combat she hopes will save lives.
The committee’s first meeting is January 10. So, how do you help fight the spread of the deadly germs?
Dr. Blosser said washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is your best bet.
She said there actually isn’t a lot of added benefit to using antibacterial soap.
Dr. Blosser said if you want to, look for a hand sanitize that’s at least 60% alcohol.
To learn more about Indiana’s efforts with antibiotic resistance, visit the Indiana State Department of Health’s website.
More information about antibiotic resistance can be found on Centers for Disease Control website.