A growing health concern, Candida auris, has seen its cases increase rapidly in the United States, with a new study warning that it poses a major threat to patients and healthcare workers. The fungus, which is highly resistant to medicine and can spread through skin contact, was first reported in 2016 but has since become a widespread public health issue.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Candida auris cases have risen from 51 in 2016 to over 4,500 in 2023. The fungus is commonly found in hospitals and nursing homes where patients rely on ventilators, but it can also be present on the skin or inside the body without causing illness.
The CDC reports that more than one-third of patients with invasive Candida auris infections die. The fungus poses a significant threat to individuals with pre-existing health conditions and has been detected in all but 12 states, including New Jersey where cases have skyrocketed from 17 in 2016 to over 75 in 2023.
Health officials are urging caution and encouraging the public to report any suspected cases of Candida auris to their local health department. With a growing number of reported cases, it is essential for healthcare workers and patients alike to take precautions to prevent transmission.
Source: https://www.nj.com/healthfit/2025/03/this-deadly-drug-resistant-fungus-is-spreading-what-you-need-to-know.html