Deadly superbugs are going to KILL 90,000 Brits over 30 years, experts warn
Experts have warned that drug-resistant infections will make routine operations and minor injuries deadly 'unless we take action'
LETHAL superbugs will kill more than 90,000 Brits over the next three decades, a report warns.
Experts claim drug-resistant infections could spell the “death of modern medicine” - making routine operations and minor injuries deadly.
But three in four superbug deaths could be prevented with basic measures such as better handwashing and doling out fewer antibiotics.
Research by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development estimates drug-resistant infections could kill 2.4 million people in Europe, North America and Australia over the next 30 years.
It includes 90,045 deaths in the UK by 2050.
The report shows 2,126 Brits a year are already dying from untreatable infections – and warns matters could get much worse.
Dame Sally, the Chief Medical Officer, has already warned drug-resistant bugs pose a “catastrophic threat” on a par with terrorism and climate change.
Mark Pearson, deputy director of employment, labour and social affairs at the OECD, said spending just £1.50 per Brit annually could slash fatalities.
He said the NHS would save the cash in the first year, and warned doing nothing would see the economy take a similar hit to the 2008 financial crash.
He said: “Unless we take action, superbugs could spell the death of modern medicine. Patients could no longer have hip operation or cancer treatment because it would be too high risk.
“Even small cuts could be deadly. It would cost the NHS billions to treat people.”
More than one in six infections in Europe are now resistant to treatment.
And in nations such as Russia, China and India nearly half of bacterial illnesses are caused by superbugs.
The report warns the health service must do more to boost hospital hygiene and make sure only those who need antibiotics are given them.
The medication only works against bacterial infections, such as meningitis and pneumonia. But antibiotics are pointless against coughs, colds and sore throats triggered by viruses.
Mr Pearson said GPs needed access to better tests to distinguish the cause of an illness.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Deputy Director, National Infection Service, Public Health England, said: “Antibiotic resistant infections present a global health challenge, leading to the equivalent of thousands of years lost due to ill health and disability or early death each year in this country and internationally.
“In order to tackle antibiotic resistance we need to preserve antibiotics for when we really need them.”
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