More than 3,100 cases of Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus that can cause life-threatening infections, have been reported across 23 states in the United States so far this year, according to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).The CDC recorded 3,130 confirmed cases as of July 18, with Texas reporting the highest number at 706, followed by Michigan (503).
What is Candida auris?
Candida auris (C. auris) is a type of fungus that can cause severe infections, particularly in people who are already seriously ill. The CDC warns that many strains are resistant to multiple antifungal medicines, making infections difficult to treat.“C. auris can be multidrug-resistant and can cause life-threatening illness. It spreads easily in healthcare facilities and mostly affects people who are already very sick,” the CDC says.Unlike many other fungal infections, C. auris can survive on hospital surfaces for weeks, allowing it to spread through contaminated equipment, shared medical devices or contact with infected patients.
How does it spread?
The fungus is most commonly found in hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities.According to the CDC and the Cleveland Clinic, transmission occurs through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, medical equipment or infected individuals. People carrying the fungus may not develop symptoms but can still spread it to others.Patients using ventilators, feeding tubes, catheters or central intravenous lines face the greatest risk because the fungus can enter the bloodstream through these devices.
Symptoms to watch for
The Cleveland Clinic says symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from those of other serious infections. They may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Low body temperature
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Certain types of ear infections
Because many affected patients are already critically ill, laboratory testing is usually required to confirm a Candida auris infection.
Who is most at risk?
Healthy people are considered to be at low risk of developing invasive Candida auris infections.The highest risk is among people with weakened immune systems, those receiving intensive medical care, patients with invasive medical devices, and individuals who have previously received prolonged courses of antibiotics or antifungal medicines.The fungus is regarded as an opportunistic pathogen, meaning it primarily infects people whose immune defences are already compromised. While no specific genetic or autoimmune condition directly causes Candida auris infection, people with weakened immune responses may be more vulnerable.
