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13 cases of new fungus in WA
FOX 13 Seattle • • health
Key Points:
- The CDC is monitoring Candida auris (C. auris), an emerging fungus that can cause severe infections and spreads easily among patients in healthcare facilities, with 13 cases reported in Washington state as of 2026.
- C. auris can colonize on the skin without symptoms, allowing asymptomatic individuals to unknowingly spread the fungus to surfaces and others, especially in healthcare settings.
- Treatment is challenging as some strains are resistant to multiple antifungal medications, though echinocandins are generally effective; most infected patients are already seriously ill.
- Specific locations of the reported cases in Washington have not been disclosed by health officials, and the CDC recommends consulting healthcare providers for screening and concerns.
- For ongoing updates and detailed information, the CDC website remains the primary resource.
