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Cases of potentially deadly fungus detected in 27 states. What to know
Yahoo • • general
Key Points:
- As of late July, 3,437 cases of the potentially deadly fungus Candida auris have been reported across 27 U.S. states, with California, Texas, and Tennessee having the highest numbers.
- Although cases continue to rise annually, the rate of increase has slowed since 2022, and the current case count is about 1,000 fewer than the same period last year.
- Candida auris primarily affects severely ill patients in healthcare settings, spreading easily through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, and poses significant risks to immunocompromised patients and those with medical devices like catheters.
- The fungus is often resistant to multiple antifungal medications, with over 95% of samples resistant to fluconazole and some strains resistant to other common treatments, complicating efforts to manage infections.
- Mortality rates for C. auris infections are estimated between 30% and 60%, underscoring the serious threat it poses to vulnerable populations in healthcare environments.
