PRESS RELEASE

 From the Office of the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Gale R. Burstein

Date November 16, 2016                            

CONTACT: Mary C. St. Mary/Mary.StMary@Erie.Gov

Phone: 716.858.4941/ Mobile: 716.253.3925

 Get Smart About Antibiotics Week

ECDOH Raises Health Threat of Antibiotic Resistance Fueled by Unnecessary Use

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change or evolve in a way that reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics, and is among the most pressing public health threats through

out the world.

During Get Smart about Antibiotics Week November 14-20, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with the Erie County Department of Health (“ECDOH”), are raising public awareness of the very serious and real threat of antibiotic resistance.

“The overuse of antibiotics is the single most important factor leading to antibiotic resistance around the world,” stated Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County Commissioner of Health. “Antibiotics are among the most commonly prescribed drugs used in medicine. However, up to 50% of all the antibiotics prescribed for people are not needed or are not optimally effective as prescribed.” 

Antibiotics are also commonly used for promoting growth in food animals, a very risky and unnecessary practice. Taking antibiotics when not needed, such as for a viral infection, creates additional health risks--it increases the chance patients will experience adverse drug reactions and leads to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria which affects everyone in the community.

“Everyone should be concerned about this issue because antibiotic resistance anywhere is antibiotic resistance everywhere,” continued Burstein. “In order to minimize the impact of antibiotic resistance, it is important that everyone only takes antibiotics prescribed for them, practices proper hand hygiene in their everyday routine, receives recommended vaccinations, and discusses their concerns about antibiotic resistance with their healthcare provider.”

#  #  #