New Jersey

Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Cre) in New Jersey

Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are a group of **bacteria** resistant to carbapenem antibiotics, which are often last-resort drugs. These highly drug-resistant 'superbugs' primarily affect critically ill patients in healthcare settings like hospitals and nursing homes, leading to severe, hard-to-treat infections. Track Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Cre) activity and outbreaks specific to New Jersey.

Open Web App

What is Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Cre)?

Although antibiotic resistance has been known for decades, significant carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae emerged as a serious global public health threat in the early 2000s. Its rise highlighted the urgent need for new antibiotics and stricter infection control measures to combat this rapidly evolving 'superbug.'

Symptoms

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Painful urination, frequent urge to urinate, fever.
  • Pneumonia: Cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills.
  • Bloodstream Infection (Sepsis): Fever, chills, rapid heart rate, confusion.
  • Wound Infection: Redness, swelling, pain, pus at the surgical or wound site.

Transmission

CRE primarily spreads through direct contact with an infected or colonized person, often via contaminated hands of healthcare workers. It can also spread indirectly through contact with contaminated surfaces (e.g., bed rails, medical equipment) in healthcare environments. It is not typically airborne.

Contagious Period: Varies by disease

Prevention

  • Hand hygiene: Frequent handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially in healthcare settings.
  • Contact precautions: Use of gloves and gowns by healthcare workers when caring for CRE-infected patients.
  • Environmental cleaning: Thorough disinfection of patient rooms and medical equipment.
  • Antibiotic stewardship: Prudent use of antibiotics to prevent resistance development.
  • No vaccine is available for CRE.

New Jersey Health Resources

Local health department information and state-specific prevention guidance

We're Monitoring New Jersey

Our AI-powered surveillance continuously monitors Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Cre) activity across New Jersey. We track data from state health departments, local hospitals, CDC reports, and 50+ global health sources to provide early warning of emerging threats.

Get instant push notifications when Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Cre) activity increases in New Jersey or your specific county.

Open Web App

New Jersey Health Department

For official state health alerts, vaccination locations, and public health guidance specific to New Jersey, visit your state health department's website.

Protecting Yourself in New Jersey

Whether you live in New Jersey, are traveling there, or have family in the state, understanding Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Cre) prevention is essential. Follow these evidence-based prevention measures:

Prevention Measures

  • Hand hygiene: Frequent handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially in healthcare settings.
  • Contact precautions: Use of gloves and gowns by healthcare workers when caring for CRE-infected patients.
  • Environmental cleaning: Thorough disinfection of patient rooms and medical equipment.
  • Antibiotic stewardship: Prudent use of antibiotics to prevent resistance development.
  • No vaccine is available for CRE.

When to Seek Care

If you experience symptoms of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Cre) in New Jersey, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes significantly.

Emergency symptoms: If you experience severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, or signs of dehydration, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Expert Resources & References

Trusted information from leading health organizations

CDC

Official guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

View CDC Resources β†’

WHO

Global disease surveillance and guidelines from the World Health Organization

View WHO Resources β†’

Research

Latest peer-reviewed research and clinical studies

View Research β†’

Medically Reviewed Content

Disease information on Virus Watcher is reviewed by our Chief Epidemiologist, a former CDC lead analyst for FluSight forecasting. Outbreak data is aggregated from verified sources including BEACON, ProMED, WHO, CDC, and 50+ national health agencies. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-29

Get Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Cre) Alerts for New Jersey

Receive instant push notifications when Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (Cre) activity increases in New Jersey or your travel destinations. Track 200+ diseases with location-based alerts. Used by healthcare systems, EMS, schools, and travelers worldwide.

Open Web App Enterprise Solutions
Virus Watcher