Using data gathered from 2015-2017, the report cites an increase in the use of injected drugs such as heroin and fentanyl leading to an increase of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria found on skin which are usually harmless but can cause serious staph infections that lead to sepsis or death.
The report centers on the rise of infections which are resistant to the antibiotic methicillin, causing a super bug. From 2011-2016, the report found a 37.2% increase in community-onset bloodstream infections in Tennessee while nationwide estimates have remained stable during that time period. -Full Report
