26 states are reporting cases of the 'Superbug' fungus, Candida auris

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 healthcare facilities such as nursing homes and hospitals.
• The fungus can cause serious or life-threatening infections, particularly in patients with severe medical conditions or invasive medical devices, and is difficult to treat due to its resistance to antifungal medications.
• C. auris spreads through contact with infected individuals, including asymptomatic carriers, and contaminated surfaces, with the fungus capable of surviving on objects like bedrails and doorknobs for extended periods.
• Reported cases have sharply increased over the past decade, rising from 48 in 2016 to over 6,300 clinical cases in 2024, though the rate of increase has slowed recently according to CDC data.
• The CDC recommends patient screening and strict infection control measures in healthcare settings to prevent outbreaks and limit the spread of this drug-resistant fungus.