Potential risk of multidrug-resistant bacteria in burn victims from North Macedonia fire

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is monitoring the Pulse nightclub fire in Kočani, North Macedonia, as many burn injuries patients are being transferred to hospitals across the EU. The ECDC is highlighting the risk of severe infections caused by carbapenem-resistant bacteria, which can spread in healthcare settings. The high incidence of CR bacteria in North Macedonia in 2023 highlights the need for precautions to prevent the spread of these bacteria. ECDC encourages countries to share information on CR bacteria cases in transferred patients to support a coordinated response.