Health officials in England have issued a stark warning as a new report reveals a significant and worrying increase in deaths linked to infections that cannot be treated with common antibiotics.
A Growing Health Crisis
According to the latest National surveillance data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the number of fatalities in people with antibiotic-resistant infections rose to 2,379 in 2024. This marks a sharp increase of 338 deaths compared to the 2,041 recorded in 2023.
The data, published in the English surveillance programme for antimicrobial utilisation and resistance (ESPAUR) report, also shows that cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteraemia – a life-threatening bloodstream infection – climbed by 9.3% in a single year. The total number of such infections reached 20,484 in 2024, equating to nearly 400 new cases reported every week across the nation.
The Dominant Threat: E. Coli
The report identifies a primary culprit behind this alarming trend. Over the last six years, E. coli bacteria have been responsible for a staggering 65% of all antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections in England.
While many forms of E. coli are harmless, certain strains can cause serious illness. It is a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can escalate into a dangerous bloodstream infection if the bacteria prove resistant to treatment.
Symptoms to Watch For
Understanding the signs of an E. coli infection is crucial for seeking timely medical help. Symptoms differ depending on where the infection takes hold.
For gastrointestinal infections, look out for:
- Watery diarrhoea, which may sometimes be bloody.
- Stomach pains and cramps.
- Loss of appetite.
- A low fever.
If the bacteria infect the urinary tract, symptoms often include:
- Abdominal or pelvic pain.
- A burning sensation when urinating.
- A frequent and urgent need to pee.
- Cloudy, foul-smelling urine.
Why Resistance is So Dangerous
When bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, standard treatments fail. This leads to a much higher risk of severe complications, including sepsis, prolonged hospitalisation, and death.
The UKHSA report underscores that individuals with a resistant infection are significantly more likely to die within 30 days compared to those with an infection that responds to antibiotics.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Executive of UKHSA, stated: "Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest health threats we face. 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, with our poorest communities hit the hardest."
The Fight Back and Public Role
While antibiotic resistance occurs naturally, the overuse and misuse of these vital medicines accelerate the problem. The report highlights a concerning shift: although antibiotic use within the NHS has slightly decreased, private prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacies have more than doubled since 2019.
Overall, this has led to a 10.7% rise in primary care antibiotic use when combining NHS and private dispensing.
Health Minister Zubir Ahmed echoed the concerns, calling antimicrobial resistance "one of the most serious threats to public health" and a key government priority.
Both officials urge the public to act responsibly. Professor Hopkins advised: "Please remember to only take antibiotics if you have been told to do so by a healthcare professional. Do not save some for later or share them with friends and family." She also emphasised the importance of taking up eligible vaccinations to prevent infections from occurring in the first place.
The data confirms that adults over 45 are at the highest risk, accounting for 90% of cases, with nearly half of all infections detected in people over the age of 74.
