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CDC: Deadly Brain Fungus in Healthy Americans Is Rising
Newser • • health
Key Points:
- Cases of Cladophialophora bantiana, a rare brain-targeting fungus, have surged recently, with infections nearly quadrupling between 2023 and 2025 according to CDC data.
- The fungus affects both immunocompromised and otherwise healthy individuals, with a high fatality rate of 60% to 70% despite aggressive treatment.
- It is believed to enter the body through inhalation or skin wounds, then travel to the brain, often forming difficult-to-diagnose abscesses.
- Infections have been reported across 21 states and Washington, DC, with the highest incidence in California, Florida, Texas, and Pennsylvania.
- The CDC recommends national case reporting and advises healthcare providers to consider fungal infections in brain evaluations due to the fungus's increasing prevalence and severity.
