CRKP - New Deadly Superbug

A relatively-new and important public health problem has been reported in 35 states.

It's a superbug known as CRKP (carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae) which isn't challenged by conventional antibiotics. Reportedly, 40% of those affected die quickly.




CRKP has become prominent in New York City region and Southern California. Puerto Rico has also experienced a cluster of CRKP cases.

The most susceptible to infection are the elderly and infirmed with transmission being via health care workers from patient to patient. Washing of hands by medical staff is paramount in reducing infection.

Hospitals and nursing homes may want to specifically test for the CRKP bacteria, an enterobacterium like salmonella and E. coli.

The Centers for Disease Control has published a map identifying the U.S. locations where cases of CRKP have been confirmed.