VRE stands for vancomycin-resistant enterococcus. It’s an infection with bacteria that are resistant to the antibiotic called vancomycin. Enterococcus is a type of bacteria

How does a person get VRE?

VRE can spread from one person to another through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment or through person to person spread, often via contaminated hands. It is not spread through the air by coughing or sneezing.

How serious is VRE?

The report classifies 18 antibiotic-resistant germs into three categories — urgent, serious, and concerning. VRE, which was estimated to have caused 54,500 infections among hospitalized patients and led to the deaths of 5,400 people, is listed in the “serious” category.