05/25/2026
1 death every 5 minutes. Every day. Every year.
Health care-associated infections claim nearly 99,000 lives annually in the US, yet they rarely make headlines or trigger emergency responses.
The same statistics have been cited for nearly two decades. But experts warn the real burden may be far greater, driven by evolving pathogens, biofilm persistence, and data that hasn't kept pace with the problem.
Are we underestimating a silent endemic? Take a read 👇
Health care–associated infections (HAIs) remain underestimated, driven by evolving pathogens, environmental reservoirs, and biofilm persistence. Experts argue outdated data and overreliance on hand hygiene obscure the true, growing burden of preventable infections.