A highly contagious fungal infection, Candida Auris, has been reported in the United States for nearly seven years, with over 5,000 confirmed cases to date. The fungus is drug-resistant and carries a high mortality rate.
Candida Auris can spread easily in healthcare settings through direct contact with infected patients or by touching contaminated surfaces and equipment. It can also survive on hospital surfaces even after cleaning with medical-grade disinfectant. The fungus can remain active in patients for months, making it difficult to treat.
Symptoms of Candida auris include fever, chills, fatigue, low body temperature, ear pain, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. In severe cases, sepsis can occur, leading to organ failure.
The CDC has identified New York and New Jersey as hotspots for the outbreak, with 51 reported cases in these states alone. Preventive measures are available online to help minimize the risk of infection.
Source: https://cnynews.com/ixp/39/p/candida-auris-ny