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Cases of potentially deadly fungus detected in 23 states, CDC data shows. What to know
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Key Points:
- As of July 18, 2024, 3,130 cases of the potentially deadly fungus Candida auris have been detected in 23 states, with Texas, Michigan, and Illinois reporting the highest numbers.
- The rate of C. auris infections continues to rise annually, but the speed of increase has slowed since 2022, according to the CDC.
- C. auris is a yeast that can cause severe infections, especially in immunocompromised patients and those in healthcare settings, and it can persist on surfaces, facilitating its spread.
- Most strains of C. auris show resistance to common antifungal medications, with over 95% resistant to fluconazole, though most infections remain treatable with echinocandins.
- The estimated mortality rate for C. auris infections ranges from 30% to 60%, highlighting the significant risk it poses to vulnerable populations.
