A highly contagious and drug-resistant fungus, known as Candida auris (C. auris), has been identified in at least two states’ hospital systems, with cases increasing rapidly in Georgia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers C. auris an “urgent antimicrobial resistance threat” due to its ability to evade treatment. The fungus mainly spreads in healthcare settings, where people are vulnerable, particularly those with medical devices such as catheters or breathing tubes.
A recent study found that cases of C. auris have increased substantially in the past year, with significant spikes between 2022 and 2023. The CDC has reported a total of 5,144 clinical cases across all but 12 states. The fungus can survive on surfaces, making it easy to spread through hospitals.
Symptoms of infection are similar to those of any other infection, including fever and chills. However, the risk is highest for individuals with compromised immune systems or those who use medical devices that can introduce the pathogen into their body. The CDC has warned that if left untreated, C. auris infections can be deadly, with a mortality rate estimated at 30-60%.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/fungus-labeled-urgent-threat-cdc-130000001.html