A deadly fungus called Candida auris is spreading in U.S. hospitals. New research shows a major jump in cases since 2019. Only five infections were reported in the United States that year. By 2023, the number of cases jumped sharply to 115.
The fungus kills one in three people who become infected. It targets the elderly and people already sick or hospitalized. Experts say the spread is a growing threat to public health.
What You Should Know About Candida Auris?
Cases of Candida auris have increased 2,200% in four years. The fungus is labeled an “urgent threat” by the CDC. It can infect the blood, brain, organs, or even the skin. Bloodstream infections are most common, but others are rising fast. New cases now appear in soft tissue, bone, and spine.
Candida auris was first discovered in Japan back in 2009. The fungus reached the United States for the first time in 2016. It now spreads across the world, not just in the U.S.
C. auris spreads through contact with people or contaminated surfaces. Healthy people are usually not at serious risk of infection.
Some people carry the fungus but never show any symptoms. This is called colonization and can still spread the fungus.
Other cases include fever, chills, and signs of sepsis. Severe infections can lead to organ failure and death. Mortality rates range from 30 to 60 percent.
Why Does the CDC Call Candida Auris an “Urgent Threat”?
Candida auris circulates quickly in hospitals through tubes and equipment. Many strains resist treatment and survive standard cleaning procedures. The more C. auris spreads, the harder it becomes to control.
The bacterial infection was first reported in the U.S. in 2016. That year, health officials found just 52 cases nationwide. By 2023, U.S. cases jumped to a total of 4,514.
California reported more cases than any other state so far. Between 2016 and 2023, the state confirmed 1,566 total infections.
More than half of U.S. states now report active cases. Georgia recently saw a sharp increase in fungal infections statewide. C. auris is spreading rapidly in Florida hospitals, too.
Medical tubes like catheters can carry the fungus between patients. Patients using breathing tubes are especially vulnerable to infection. The fungus can survive for weeks if not removed.
Experts call for more testing and faster diagnosis of cases. Doctors say symptoms often resemble other common infections or conditions. This makes Candida auris difficult to detect and treat early. It can also live on doorknobs, bed rails, and surfaces. In poorly sanitized areas, the fungus can grow and spread.
Over time, leftover pathogens grow more resistant to disinfectants. The fungus has now reached hospitals in nearly every state. Only 12 U.S. states remain free from known Candida auris cases. Many infected patients are also fighting other serious health problems. These added conditions raise the risk of death from infection.
How To Stay Safe From Candida Auris
The CDC has clear rules to help stop the fungus’s spread. These include placing patients in single rooms and deep cleaning areas. Isolation and contact precautions are key for preventing new infections. Early detection and fast action can also reduce the risk.
Hospitals can screen new patients from places with high infection rates. Those who test positive should be kept away from others. Travelers should check infection numbers before visiting high-risk areas or hospitals.
California, New York, and Illinois each report over 1,500 cases. Florida is close behind with 1,485 confirmed infections statewide. Nevada is the only other state with more than 1,000.
Texas has reported 750 confirmed cases of Candida auris infection. New Jersey has confirmed 491 infections across the state so far. Indiana reports 304 total cases of Candida auris.
Georgia has confirmed 219 cases and continues to report more. Indiana, Georgia, and New Jersey each report more than 200 cases. Ohio and Maryland also fall in this 200+ case range.
Virginia, Michigan, Arizona, and Tennessee all report over 100 cases. All other states report fewer than 100 known Candida auris cases. The District of Columbia has 97 confirmed infections to date.
Several states still report no known Candida auris cases. These include Alaska, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, and Montana. New Hampshire, Vermont, and Wyoming are also currently infection-free. Rhode Island, Washington, and both Dakotas fall into this category, as well.
Conclusion
Candida auris is spreading fast and becoming harder to control. It poses serious risks for patients in hospitals and long-term care. Experts say early detection and strict precautions can help stop outbreaks.
Have an upcoming trip? Passport Health offers a wide variety of options to help keep you safe from disease, including vaccines. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
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