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26 states are reporting cases of the 'Superbug' fungus, Candida auris
WTVG • • health
Key Points:
- A drug-resistant fungus called Candida auris (C. auris) has been reported in over 3,000 cases across 26 U.S. states in 2026, according to the CDC.
- C. auris is a yeast that can cause severe or life-threatening infections, especially in patients with serious medical conditions or invasive medical devices, and is commonly found in healthcare settings like nursing homes and hospitals.
- The fungus spreads through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, and it can persist on skin and objects for long periods, with some disinfectants being ineffective against it.
- Cases of C. auris have risen sharply over the past decade, from 48 in 2016 to over 6,300 in 2024, though the rate of increase has slowed recently.
- The CDC recommends screening patients to identify asymptomatic carriers and implementing strict infection control measures to prevent outbreaks and further spread.
