CPE stands for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, which are a group of bacteria that have become resistant to many antibiotics, making them more difficult to treat. CPE can cause serious infections if they get into other areas of the body, such as the lungs, bladder, or bloodstream. Most people can carry CPE in their bowels without it causing any harm or symptoms, which is called colonization. CPE can be spread directly or indirectly from person to person by touching contaminated surfaces or medical equipment that have the bacteria on it, or through unclean hands that can carry the germ. People most at risk for colonization or infection are those who have been in physical contact with a person who has CPE, stay in hospitals and other healthcare facilities that have CPE, are from the Indian subcontinent, have been treated often with antibiotics in the past, or do not have a strong immune system. Symptoms of a CPE infection include a high temperature, aches and pains, chills, tiredness, weakness, and confusion. If a person is a carrier of CPE, they do not need to be treated, but if the bacteria have caused an infection, antibiotics will be prescribed. To stop getting and spreading CPE, it is important to clean hands often, clean hands thoroughly after going to the toilet, before eating, and before touching raw meat, use your own soap, flannel, sponge, and razor, and keep the toilet rim, toilet seat, and flush handle clean.