Antibiotic-Resistant Superbugs Could Send Britain 'Back To The Dark Ages'

Sarah Ann Harris | Express | July 2, 2014

BRITAIN is facing the real prospect of heading “back to the dark ages” because of superbugs that are resistant to antibiotics.  Treatable infections and injuries could end up killing once again if steps are not taken to respond to the real threat of drug-resistant bacteria.  The stark warning was made today by David Cameron, who claimed the situation is one of the biggest challenges facing the UK.  He said: "This is not some distant threat but something happening right now.

"If we fail we are looking at an almost unthinkable scenario where antibiotics no longer work and we are cast back into the dark ages of medicine where treatable infections and injuries will kill once again.  "That simply cannot be allowed to happen and I want to see a stronger, more coherent global response."  Tens of thousands of people have already died from infections, according to the World Health Organisation.

The Prime Minister vowed that the UK will lead the global fightback to stop routine operations and scratches from becoming fatal.  He told the Times: "I've been listening to the scientific advice that I get, and the network of advisers we have are all saying this is one of the most serious health problems the world faces.  "For many of us we only know a world where infections or sicknesses can be quickly remedied by a visit to the doctor and a course of antibiotics...