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resistant fungus Candida auris spreads in Texas and US
Houston Chronicle • • health
Key Points:
- Candida auris, a drug-resistant and potentially deadly fungal infection, has been reported in 23 U.S. states this year, with Texas leading at over 700 cases, according to the CDC.
- The fungus spreads easily in healthcare settings through contact with infected patients or contaminated surfaces and can be resistant to disinfectants and antifungal treatments.
- Symptoms vary widely, with some patients showing fever or chills while others remain asymptomatic but still capable of spreading the infection for weeks or months.
- Most cases occur in adults over 45, particularly men, and primarily affect patients with severe underlying conditions or those using medical devices like catheters or breathing tubes.
- Prevention focuses on strict hygiene and disinfection protocols in hospitals, careful use of antibiotics and antifungals, and isolating infected patients to control the spread.
