Over 3,000 Cases of Deadly Fungus Candida auris Reported in US This Year

The United States has reported over 3,100 cases of Candida auris, a dangerous and drug-resistant fungus, across 23 states so far this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded 3,130 confirmed cases as of July 18, with Texas and Michigan having the highest numbers.

Candida auris (C. auris) is a type of fungus capable of causing severe infections, especially in individuals who are already critically ill. The CDC highlights that numerous strains exhibit resistance to multiple antifungal drugs, posing a significant challenge for treatment. "C. auris can be multidrug-resistant and can cause life-threatening illness. It spreads easily in healthcare facilities and mostly affects people who are already very sick," the CDC stated.

Unlike many other fungal infections, C. auris can persist on hospital surfaces for weeks, facilitating its spread through contaminated equipment, shared medical devices, or direct contact with infected patients. Transmission most commonly occurs in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities via contaminated surfaces or equipment. Individuals carrying the fungus may be asymptomatic but can still transmit it.

Patients relying on ventilators, feeding tubes, catheters, or central intravenous lines are at the highest risk, as the fungus can enter the bloodstream through these invasive devices. Symptoms, which can be difficult to distinguish from other serious infections, may include fever, chills, fatigue, low body temperature, low blood pressure, and rapid heart rate. Laboratory testing is typically required for confirmation. Healthy individuals face a low risk, but those with weakened immune systems, undergoing intensive medical care, or using invasive devices are most vulnerable.

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C. auris can be multidrug-resistant and can cause life-threatening illness. It spreads easily in healthcare facilities and mostly affects people who are already very sick.