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Brain-liquifying fungus on the rise in US
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- The CDC reports a four-fold increase in cases of Cladophialophora bantiana, a rare and deadly black mold fungus that liquifies the brain and kills up to 70% of those infected, with cases rising from 8 in 2024 to 14 in 2025 in the U.S.
- The fungus, found worldwide in soil and decaying matter, primarily infects the brain causing abscesses, swelling, and neurological symptoms, but experts remain uncertain about how it spreads and why infections are increasing.
- Unlike typical fungal infections that mostly affect immunocompromised individuals, about half of C. bantiana cases occur in people with healthy immune systems, making it particularly alarming and difficult to treat effectively.
- Cases have been detected in 21 U.S. states, with the highest numbers in California, Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania, and experts warn the true incidence is likely underestimated due to limited surveillance and testing.
- Researchers suggest climate change and warmer temperatures may be contributing to the rise in fungal infections, as fungi adapt to new environments and natural disasters increase the risk of outbreaks.
