A deadly strain of Candida Auris fungus is on the rise in hospitals across the US, with infection rates climbing in at least two states. This highly contagious fungus has been linked to over 4,500 cases in 2023 alone, killing more than one in three infected patients.
First detected in 2016, C. auris was initially contained but its numbers have substantially increased each year, with 413 reported cases in New York and numerous other states reporting similar outbreaks. The fungus is particularly deadly for those already sick in hospitals, who face a higher risk of infection due to their compromised health.
Diagnosing C. auris can be challenging, as symptoms such as fever and chills are common to other infections. Furthermore, the fungus has become resistant to all anti-fungal treatments, making it a major public health concern.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified C. auris as an “emerging fungus” with a significant increase in cases reported between 2022 and 2023. The CDC warns that C. auris can spread quickly through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects in healthcare facilities, posing a serious threat to patients and hospital staff.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for hospitals and healthcare professionals to take swift action to prevent further spread of this deadly fungus.
Source: https://www.silive.com/health/2025/03/cdc-warns-drug-resistant-fungus-is-an-urgent-threat-as-infections-spread.html