Drug-Resistant Superbug Candida Auris Spreads to 23 U.S. States

A drug-resistant fungus, identified as Candida auris and classified as an urgent threat by health officials, has spread to 23 states in the U.S., with over 3,000 cases reported this year. The majority of these infections have occurred in nursing homes and hospitals.

Candida auris is a type of yeast that can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, potentially leading to death in up to 60% of infected individuals, though many also have underlying health conditions that increase fatality risk. The fungus has strains that are resistant to all available medications, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to designate it as an "urgent antimicrobial resistance threat."

Symptoms and Transmission

The symptoms of Candida auris infections can vary depending on the infection site but often include fever and chills, which are common complaints that can mislead clinicians. Other reported symptoms include low body temperature and a high heart rate. The fungus spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or by touching contaminated surfaces.

State-Level Impact

Texas has reported the highest number of cases this year with 706, followed by Michigan with 503 and Illinois with 366, according to the latest CDC data. New Jersey has recorded 166 cases, while New York has reported none this year. The fungus was first identified in Japan in 2009 and first appeared in the United States in 2016.

High-Risk Environments

Individuals in hospital and healthcare settings are at the greatest risk of contracting the fungus. Health officials note that Candida auris can survive on surfaces for extended periods, potentially spreading to patients in medical facilities through invasive devices such as IVs and breathing tubes. Experts emphasize that the primary concern is among chronically ill patients in long-term care facilities, rather than the general public. Identifying infected patients and isolating them is crucial to controlling the spread of the fungus.

While people with healthy immune systems are unlikely to become ill from Candida auris, they can still transmit it to others. An infected person may remain contagious for several months after recovering from the illness.