Infection rates from drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria” rose almost 70% between 2019 and 2023, according to a report from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In recent years, the CDC has drawn attention to “nightmare bacteria” resistant to a wide range of antibiotics. That includes carbapenems, a class of antibiotics considered a last resort for treatment of serious infections.

It’s likely many people are unrecognized carriers of the drug-resistant bacteria, which could lead to community spread, CDC scientists said. That may play out in doctors’ offices across the country, as infections long considered routine and easy to treat—like urinary tract infections—could become chronic problems.

But the CDC’s count is only a partial picture.

Many states are not fully testing and reporting cases. Even in states that do, cases tend to be among hospital patients sick enough to warrant special testing. Many hospitals also can’t do the testing needed to detect certain forms of genetic resistance.

The CDC researchers did not have data from some of the most populous states, including California, Florida, New York, and Texas, which means the absolute number of U.S. infections is underestimated.

One of the most exciting additions to this year’s ISSA Show North America in Las Vegas is The Global Collegiate Sales Competition (GCSC). For the first time, students from leading universities will bring their energy, skills, and determination to the show floor to compete head-to-head in a live sales challenge designed to showcase the next generation of talent.

The GCSC, created in partnership between the ISSA Show and Virginia Tech, will feature 10 universities, each sending four students to take part in a series of challenges. Over two days, students will test their abilities in speed selling rounds, role-play scenarios based on real cleaning and facility products, and participate in a showdown in the ISSA Show’s Innovation Theater.

“One of the key findings from our focus groups with attendees was how to attract the next generation to the cleaning industry,” explained Ed Nichols, the director of ISSA Show North America, responding to its addition to the show. In turn, ISSA Show learned about the prevalence of the sales curriculum at Virginia Tech and many of today’s universities and incorporated the competition into the show.

This is not a classroom exercise, Nichols stressed. The competition mirrors the real-life sales situations these young professionals will soon face in the workplace. The winners won’t just take home cash prizes; they’ll earn recognition in front of an audience packed with industry leaders, exhibitors, and potential employers.

The competitors will spend the week networking with suppliers, attending sessions, and connecting with attendees at the ISSA Show. For companies seeking bright, motivated talent, this is an opportunity to observe students in action under real-world pressure.

“Not only are we going to see a great performance by these students, but there will be potential job opportunities for them as well,” Nichols said.

The details

• When: Preliminary rounds begin Nov. 12. The finals and awards will take place on Nov. 13 in the Innovation Theater on the show floor.
• Who’s competing: Competing universities include Virginia Tech; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Ball State University; Texas A&M University; California State University, Chico; Idaho State University; Weber State University; Boise State University; University of Southern California; and California State University, Fullerton.
• What to expect: Speed selling challenges, role-play presentations, and live finals—judged by industry professionals.

Learn more here on the ISSA Show website.