England is experiencing a significant rise in deaths due to antibiotic-resistant infections, with the number of fatalities increasing by 338 in the past year, from 2,041 in 2023 to 2,379 in 2024. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports that antibiotic-resistant infections resulted in nearly 400 new cases weekly in 2024.
Bacteraemia cases caused by antibiotic resistance rose by 9.3% from 2023 to 2024. E.
coli is the primary cause of antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections in England, accounting for 65% of cases over the last six years. While E.
coli is common and often harmless, certain strains can cause severe symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and potentially kidney damage. Infections that are resistant to antibiotics are more difficult to treat, leading to severe complications, hospitalization, and a higher risk of death within 30 days compared to responsive infections.
While antibiotic resistance develops naturally, its spread can be exacerbated by improper antibiotic use. Although NHS primary care antibiotic consumption has slightly decreased, private dispensing through community pharmacies has more than doubled, leading to an overall increase of 10.7% in primary care antibiotic usage between 2019 and 2024.
The UKHSA highlights that antibiotic resistance is a major health threat, disproportionately affecting the poorest communities, with individuals over 45, particularly those over 74, being the most vulnerable. Health officials urge the public to only take antibiotics when prescribed by a healthcare professional and to dispose of unused medications properly, while also encouraging vaccination to prevent infections.
