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26 states are reporting cases of the 'Superbug' fungus, Candida auris
WKYT • • health
Key Points:
- Candida auris, a drug-resistant "superbug" fungus, has been reported in over 3,000 cases across 26 U.S. states in 2026, primarily affecting nursing homes, hospitals, and healthcare facilities.
- The fungus can cause serious infections, including bloodstream infections, and is difficult to treat due to resistance to antifungal medications.
- People with severe medical conditions or invasive medical devices are at higher risk, while asymptomatic individuals can still spread the fungus.
- C. auris spreads through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, and it can survive on surfaces for extended periods, with some disinfectants being ineffective.
- The CDC recommends patient screening and rigorous infection control measures in healthcare settings to prevent outbreaks, noting that cases have increased sharply over the past decade but growth has slowed recently.
