A dangerous, drug-resistant fungus known as Candida auris is spreading across the United States. Health officials confirm nearly 7,000 people have been infected this year, with cases reported in 27 states. This "superbug" poses a serious threat, especially within healthcare facilities, due to its ability to resist common antifungal medications and cause severe, often life-threatening, illnesses.[timesofindia+1]
A Growing Public Health Concern
- Candida auris* first appeared in the United States in 2016. Since then, the number of reported cases has steadily climbed each year. In 2023 alone, the U.S. saw 4,514 new clinical cases. This fungus spreads easily in places like hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. It can also survive on surfaces for extended periods, making it difficult to control.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls C. auris an urgent antimicrobial resistance threat.This is because it is often resistant to multiple antifungal drugs.Some strains even resist all three main types of antifungal medicines used to treat these infections.This resistance makes the fungus extremely hard, and sometimes impossible, to treat effectively.[health+8]
The rise in cases may have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Strains on the healthcare system during this time could have contributed to its increased spread.States like Georgia, Nevada, California, and Texas have reported high numbers of infections in 2025.[cidrap+3]
Understanding the Symptoms
Symptoms of a Candida auris infection are not specific. They depend on where the infection is located in the body and how severe it is.Patients might experience symptoms similar to bacterial infections, such as fever or chills.Other potential signs include extreme tiredness, low blood pressure, a fast heart rate, or a low body temperature.[cdc+8]
- C. auris can infect various parts of the body, including the blood, wounds, and ears. When the fungus enters the bloodstream, it can cause severe complications. These include sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection, shock, and organ failure. Studies have shown that the estimated mortality rate for patients with C. auris* infections can range from 30% to 60%. Many of these individuals already have other serious health problems that also increase their risk of death. For bloodstream infections specifically, the mortality rate can be as high as 47%.
It is important to note that some people can carry C. auris on their skin or other body areas without showing any symptoms. This is called colonization.Even without symptoms, colonized individuals can still spread the fungus to surfaces and to other patients.[cdc+4]
Who is Most at Risk?
Generally, Candida auris does not threaten healthy people.The fungus primarily affects those who are already very sick or have weakened immune systems.People who have severe underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable.[cdc+17]
Patients requiring complex medical care are also at higher risk. This includes individuals who have invasive medical devices such as breathing tubes, feeding tubes, or catheters.These devices create pathways for C. auris to enter the body and cause infection.Long or frequent stays in healthcare facilities also increase a person's risk of acquiring the fungus.[beaconbio+11]
Preventing the Spread
Stopping the spread of Candida auris requires careful and consistent infection control practices. The CDC emphasizes several key actions for healthcare facilities and individuals.[cdc+4]
Frequent hand-cleaning is crucial. Healthcare providers should use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If hands are visibly dirty, washing with soap and water is necessary.Healthcare personnel must also wear gloves and gowns when caring for patients infected or colonized with C. auris.Visitors to healthcare facilities should also practice good hand hygiene.[cdc+9]
To prevent further transmission, patients with C. auris should be placed in rooms separated from others who are at risk.Regular and thorough cleaning of patient rooms with special disinfectants is also essential.The fungus can persist on surfaces for extended periods, making deep cleaning vital.[cdc+9]
Proper care for medical devices is another critical prevention step. Healthcare providers must follow recommendations for inserting and maintaining central venous catheters, urinary catheters, and tracheostomy tubes.These measures help prevent C. auris from entering the body through these access points.Facilities must also strictly follow guidelines for preventing surgical site infections.[restoredcdc+3]
Early detection and screening of patients are important to identify those who carry the fungus, even without symptoms.This allows healthcare facilities to implement infection control measures quickly.When patients are transferred or discharged, healthcare facilities must communicate their C. auris status to the receiving facility.This ensures continuous prevention efforts and protects other vulnerable patients.[cdc+6]
