CDC Data Highlight Sustained Progress in Reducing Hospital-Associated Infections

The latest CDC report shows a continued decline in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) across US hospitals in 2024, marking the third consecutive year of improvement after pandemic-related setbacks. Data from the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network indicate that most major hospital-acquired infections decreased between 2023 and 2024. Notably, central line–associated bloodstream infections dropped by 9%, while catheter-associated urinary tract infections declined by 10%. Other serious infections also fell, including hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infections (–11%), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (–7%), surgical site infections after colon surgery (–4%), and ventilator-associated events (–2%).

Improvements extended beyond acute care hospitals. Long-term acute care hospitals reported substantial reductions in ventilator-associated events (–23%) and C difficile infections (–15%), while inpatient rehabilitation facilities saw fewer C difficile cases (–18%) and CAUTIs (–8%). State-level data showed progress nationwide, with many states outperforming both 2023 results and the 2015 baseline.

The report highlights a recovery from COVID-19–era increases in HAIs, which were driven by resource strain, staffing shortages, and increased pathogen transmission. While progress reflects strengthened infection prevention and control efforts, the CDC emphasizes that continued vigilance is essential, as approximately one in 31 hospitalized patients still acquires an infection daily.

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