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resistant fungus spreads to 23 states including Wisconsin
Wausau Pilot & Review • • health
Key Points:
- Candida auris, a drug-resistant and potentially life-threatening fungus, has been detected in 23 U.S. states in 2026, including Wisconsin, which has reported over 100 cases since its first detection in 2022.
- The fungus primarily spreads in healthcare settings among individuals with weakened immune systems or medical devices, and it can survive on surfaces for long periods, spreading through touch.
- Texas leads in reported cases for 2026 with 715, followed by Michigan and Illinois, while nationwide cases exceeded 6,000 in 2024, according to CDC data.
- Symptoms vary widely and may be unnoticed as patients are often already seriously ill; infections can affect the bloodstream, wounds, and ears, with a mortality rate estimated between 30% and 60%.
- Preventive measures include hand washing, surface cleaning, and monitoring for signs of infection, with lab testing required for diagnosis.
