One third of superbug deaths in Europe ‘could be prevented’

UP TO a third of the 50,000 deaths a year in Europe caused by superbugs could be prevented, according to the European Centre for Disease Control.

The number of infections is increasing rapidly and Ireland has one of the highest rates in the EU, according to figures released by the centre.

Antibiotic-resistant diseases have been associated with hospitals but reports from the US show they are rapidly spreading in the community, including in schools and sports clubs.