Arizona sees surge in ‘Superbug’ fungus cases, CDC data shows
AZ Family • • health
Key Points:
- Arizona has seen a nearly 30% increase in drug-resistant Candida auris cases in 2026, with 171 cases reported year-to-date compared to 133 in the same period in 2025.
- Candida auris is a rapidly spreading, drug-resistant yeast primarily affecting patients in healthcare settings, posing serious or life-threatening risks, especially when it enters the bloodstream.
- The CDC emphasizes the importance of patient screening, frequent hand hygiene, disinfecting infected areas, isolating infected patients, and using protective gear to prevent the spread of C. auris.
- As of July 25, 2026, 3,437 cases have been reported across 26 U.S. states, with a dramatic rise in cases nationwide from 48 in 2016 to 6,304 in 2024.
- Treatment options are limited due to the fungus’s resistance to antifungal medications, complicating efforts to manage infections effectively.
