Antibiotics Misused During Covid Get New Look as Infections Rise

The CDC is devoting funding to dozens of local health departments for programs to stop improper antibiotic prescribing following the rise in deadly bacterial and fungal infections during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The agency has already issued $120 million to departments in New York City, Los Angeles County, and more than 60 other jurisdictions to expand programs to improve antibiotic and antifungal prescribing within health-care settings.

Lauri Hicks, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s office of antibiotic stewardship, said the agency has provided feedback on the work plans for each jurisdiction, and will grant additional funding through 2024. ...