Officials: Local woman died after contracting superbug CRE

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By Blake Hanson

LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — An 88-year-old woman from Lincolnton who was infected with the superbug CRE died Friday, family members said.

PAST ARTICLE: Hospitals prepare for superbug infections

The Jerry and Jolene Church said Alda Crump went to Carolinas Medical Center-Lincoln in early December with a urinary tract infection. But just before New Year's Day, they were told Crump had contracted the CRE infection.

LINK: What You Should Know About 'Superbug' CRE

"She really suffered," Jolene Church said. "The last few weeks she really suffered."

"CRE, which stands for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, are a family of germs that are difficult to treat because they have high levels of resistance to antibiotics," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The infection does not spread easily. You would likely have to touch an infected wound or stool and then touch an open wound, health officials said. That's why the superbug is found most often in health care scenarios.

Health officials said at a Sunday news conference at CMC-Main there have been more cases.

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They said 15 people have entered Carolinas Healthcare System hospitals already infected with CRE in 2015. Three people were infected at hospitals within the system.

A doctor said two people have died from CRE at Carolinas Healthcare System in 2015. Officials did not release a breakdown of where the infections and deaths have occurred.

CMC officials could not confirm Crump's death because of privacy laws.

The Jerry and Jolene Church said they hope their loved one, an ex-missionary, can continue helping others even after she's passed by spreading the word.

"I really hope that we can help somebody," Jolene said.

LINK: CDC information on superbug CRE


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