(NewsNation) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is sounding the alarm as cases of the drug-resistant superbug NDM-CRE continue to rise across the U.S.

According to the agency, NDM-CRE is part of a group of bacteria that are resistant to some of the strongest antibiotics available. Between 2019 and 2023, NDM-CRE infections surged by more than 460% in the U.S., leaving hospitals racing to control the spread.

Historically rare, the superbug can lead to serious infections such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections or wound infections, which can result in severe illness and higher mortality rates. Because the NDM-CRE is so hard to detect and even harder to treat, some researchers have begun referring to it as the “nightmare bacteria.”

Because it resists nearly all antibiotics, prevention is critical. The CDC is urging hospitals to double down on basic infection control procedures such as handwashing, glove use and disinfecting surfaces.

“This increase that we’re seeing in NDM-CRE causes some alarming concern because the bacteria can cause infections that are hard to treat,” Dr. Danielle Rankin with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. “What we are concerned about is the ability for these to be able to spread outside of healthcare if we aren’t able to halt transmission.”

The agency is continuing to investigate the source behind the surge in cases, but warns that without appropriate infection prevention and control measures, NDM-CRE cases could continue to spread through health care systems.