For years, infectious disease specialists have kept a wary eye on Candida auris, a yeast that can cause severe, sometimes fatal infections. This year, the fungus has been detected in more than 3,400 patients across 27 U.S. states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). California reports the highest number of cases, followed by Texas and Tennessee.
While the numbers are concerning, the CDC notes that the pace of new infections has slowed since 2022. Still, health officials remain vigilant because C. auris can resist multiple antifungal drugs and thrives in healthcare environments, spreading easily among vulnerable patients.
What exactly is Candida auris?
Candida auris is a type of yeast that can invade the bloodstream, wounds, and organs, leading to life-threatening infections. Unlike common fungal issues that affect skin or nails, this pathogen is a serious concern for hospitalized individuals. First identified in 2009, it has become a global health threat due to its ability to survive on medical equipment and surfaces for extended periods.
Why is it called a 'superbug fungus'?
The nickname stems from its resistance to many antifungal medications. CDC data shows that over 95% of tested samples resist fluconazole, a standard antifungal. Some strains also resist amphotericin B and echinocandins, though echinocandins remain the first-line treatment for most infections. This resistance makes infections harder to treat than typical fungal illnesses.
Who is most at risk?
For healthy people, the risk of serious illness from C. auris is very low. The fungus primarily threatens those already medically fragile, including:
- Hospitalized patients
- Nursing home residents
- People with weakened immune systems
- Cancer patients
- Organ transplant recipients
- Patients with catheters, breathing tubes, or other invasive devices
These individuals are more likely to develop invasive infections if exposed.
How does it spread?
Unlike fungi found outdoors, C. auris spreads mainly in healthcare settings. It can pass from person to person through direct contact or contaminated surfaces like bedrails, medical equipment, and door handles. Some people carry the fungus on their skin without symptoms, unknowingly spreading it if infection-control measures aren't followed.
Symptoms to watch for
Symptoms depend on the infection site. Invasive infections often cause persistent fever, chills, and signs of infection that don't improve with antibiotics. Bloodstream, wound, and sometimes ear infections occur. Because many patients already have serious underlying conditions, diagnosis requires lab testing.
Can it be cured?
Yes, many infections can be treated successfully, especially when caught early. Doctors typically use echinocandins as the first treatment. However, some strains are multi-drug resistant, requiring specialized testing and alternative therapies if initial treatment fails.
How to lower your risk
For most people, there's no need to avoid public places or change daily routines. Instead, focus on basic infection prevention, especially in healthcare settings. Good hand hygiene, proper cleaning of medical equipment, and strict infection-control procedures are the best defenses. If a loved one is hospitalized or in long-term care, ask providers about their measures to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
While C. auris continues to spread in parts of the U.S., public health experts emphasize it's primarily a healthcare-associated threat, not a danger to the general public. For most healthy people, awareness—not alarm—is the right response.
For more on health concerns affecting communities, see our coverage on California's summer COVID wave and the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
