The CDC reports over 3,000 cases of the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris across 23 states this year, primarily affecting patients in healthcare settings.
Key facts
- •Texas leads the U.S. with 706 reported cases of Candida auris as of July 18.
- •The fungus was first identified in Japan in 2009 and first reported in the United States in 2016.
- •Candida auris can survive on surfaces for long periods and is difficult to eradicate from healthcare environments.
- •Most healthy individuals are not at risk, as the pathogen is not currently circulating in the general community.
- •Medical facilities are encouraged to use rapid identification labs and rigorous disinfection protocols to curtail transmission.
Federal health officials are tracking the spread of Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus that has been identified in 23 states so far this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 3,000 cases have been documented, with the highest concentrations occurring in Texas, Michigan, and Illinois. While experts emphasize that the risk to the general public remains low, the pathogen poses a significant threat to vulnerable individuals in hospitals and nursing homes.
By the numbers
Rising Case Numbers and Resistance
Data from the CDC indicates a steady increase in Candida auris infections nationwide, with 2,882 cases in 2022, 4,428 in 2023, and 6,197 in 2024. Some strains of the fungus have developed resistance to standard antifungal medications, including echinocandins, which are typically used for treatment. In some instances, doctors must prescribe high doses of multiple medications to combat resistant strains. Researchers estimate that 30% to 60% of individuals with Candida auris illnesses have died, though many of these patients suffered from other serious underlying health conditions. The majority of cases involve males and individuals aged 45 or older.
Transmission and Prevention
Candida auris is primarily transmitted within healthcare environments, where it can survive on high-touch surfaces for weeks. It spreads through contact with contaminated medical equipment, such as catheters, breathing tubes, and IVs, or through person-to-person contact. Experts note that the fungus can persist in a patient for months even after they have recovered from the initial illness. To mitigate spread, the CDC recommends isolating infected patients in private rooms and ensuring medical staff utilize gowns and gloves. Experts advise that while the general public is not at high risk, visitors to healthcare facilities should practice diligent hand hygiene.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Healthline.
