International Shia News Agency

80,000 people may die in Britain over antibiotics

SHAFAQNA – Government documents show some 80,000 people could die in Britain in case of a widespread outbreak of an antibiotic resistant blood infection. The National Risk Register of Civil Emergencies believes an outbreak like this could hit 200,000 people with 40% potentially losing their life. Currently, some 25,000 people die across Europe due to infections that are resistant to antibiotics. Prime Minister David Cameron has warned the world could be cast back into the dark ages unless something is done to tackle this threat.  Dame Sally Davies the chief medical officer has called the situation a ‘ticking time bomb’.

Medical health professionals have been asked to re-evaluate the number of people that are prescribed antibiotics as this is one of the key factors that allows humans to develop resistance. There are several complications that can arise from resistance to antibiotics with the government document saying, “Without effective antibiotics, even minor surgery and routine operations could become high-risk procedures, leading to increased duration of illness and ultimately premature mortality.”

It goes on to say that even medical procedures like cancer treatment and organ transplants would become unsafe. The document released by the Cabinet office last month says the UK is working with international partners to tackle this global problem.

Source : Press TV

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