Deadly Drug-Resistant Fungus Spreads to 27 States: What You Need to Know

More than 3,100 cases of the drug-resistant and potentially deadly fungus Candida auris have been reported across 27 states this year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The nationwide total through the week ending July 25 runs nearly in line with the 3,348 infections tracked during the same period last year.

State Breakdown: Texas and Michigan Lead Infections

Texas leads the nation with 715 reported cases of Candida auris this year, according to CDC data. Michigan follows closely behind with 518 infections, while Illinois has recorded more than 350 cases across the same timeframe.

Michigan’s high case count coincides with the state recording the nation’s first two deaths linked to the foodborne parasite Cyclospora this year.

Why Candida Auris Threatens Healthcare Facilities

First detected in the U.S. in 2013, Candida auris grows primarily as a yeast that spreads easily within hospitals and long-term care facilities. The pathogen poses the greatest danger to patients dealing with serious underlying health conditions.

The fungus survives for long periods on surfaces and medical equipment. It resists many commonly used disinfectants and antifungal medications, which complicates treatment efforts.

Resistance Profiles and Clinical Challenges

“What makes Candida auris especially concerning is its resistance profile,” Nathan Wiederhold, PharmD, director of the Fungus Testing Laboratory and professor at The University of Texas at San Antonio, told UT Health. Many strains resist azoles, a major antifungal drug class. Some strains also resist amphotericin B, a medication often reserved as a drug of last resort.

When symptoms appear, they vary based on the infection site. Warning signs can include fever, chills, extreme fatigue, low blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, and ear pain. Because these symptoms mimic other common illnesses, laboratory testing is required for a definitive diagnosis.

Infection Control and Prevention Protocols

Healthcare facilities enforce strict procedures to halt transmission. Infected or colonized patients are placed in private rooms under special precautions. Workers and visitors must wear gowns and gloves. Facilities utilize dedicated or disposable equipment, such as blood pressure cuffs and thermometers, to prevent spreading the yeast.

Rooms require daily cleaning and thorough disinfection after discharge using EPA-approved products capable of killing the fungus, as standard cleaners fail to work against it. At home, individuals carrying the pathogen generally do not need to isolate from family members, though they should maintain good hygiene habits like regular handwashing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Candida auris?

It is a potentially deadly, drug-resistant yeast that spreads easily in healthcare facilities and mostly affects patients with weakened immune systems or serious underlying medical issues, according to the CDC.

What are the common symptoms of an infection?

Symptoms include fever, chills, extreme fatigue, low blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, and ear pain. Laboratory testing is necessary to confirm an infection.

How can you kill Candida auris on surfaces?

Healthcare facilities must use EPA-approved products specifically validated to kill the fungus, because many standard cleaners are ineffective against it.

Do patients need to isolate at home?

According to the CDC, people with the fungus generally do not need to isolate from family members at home, but they must practice diligent hygiene, including frequent handwashing.