New CDC report underscores need for federal action on AMR

The 2026 Antimicrobial Resistance Threats Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that drug-resistant bacteria and fungi result in nearly 10 million infections and over 50,000 deaths each year in the U.S . These numbers are alarming by any measure but are particularly sobering when infectious diseases physicians connect real patients with these statistics in their everyday experience . Drug-resistant infections prolong hospital stays , drive up health care costs and make it increasingly difficult - and sometimes impossible - for doctors to safely provide care like cancer chemotherapy, organ transplants, hip and knee replacements , and other medical care and surgeries .

It is imperative that Congress pass the bipartisan PASTEUR Act to drive the development of the lifesaving novel antimicrobial drugs that are needed to treat resistant infections and to support antimicrobial stewardship programs to ensure that patients in all communities receive optimal care that protects the effectiveness of our precious antimicrobial drugs.

- Wendy S. Armstrong , MD, FIDSA - President, IDSA

About IDSA

The Infectious Diseases Society of America is a global community of 13,000 clinicians, scientists and public health experts working together to solve humanity's smallest and greatest challenges, from tiny microbes to global outbreaks. Rooted in science, committed to health equity and driven by curiosity, our compassionate and knowledgeable members safeguard the health of individuals, our communities and the world by advancing the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Visit idsociety.org to learn more.