Topic overview
In brief
- As of July 18, 2023, there have been 3,130 cases of Candida auris reported in 23 states.
- Texas has the highest number of cases, followed by Michigan and Illinois.
- The rise in cases highlights the ongoing public health challenge posed by this resistant fungus.
Summary
In the United States, a concerning rise in cases of Candida auris, a potentially deadly fungus, has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of July 18, 2023, there have been 3,130 identified cases across 23 states, which is slightly lower than the 3,348 cases reported at the same time the previous year. Texas leads with the highest number of cases at 706, followed by Michigan with 503 and Illinois with 366. The increase in cases does not indicate a faster transmission rate; rather, the CDC notes that while the number of cases has risen annually, the rate of increase has slowed since 2022.
Candida auris is a type of yeast that poses a significant health risk, particularly in healthcare settings where patients are already severely ill. It can lead to a variety of infections, ranging from skin infections to severe bloodstream infections. The fungus was first discovered in 1996 and identified as a new species in 2009. It can be spread by infected patients or those carrying the fungus without symptoms, and it can survive on surfaces for extended periods, making it a persistent threat in hospitals and nursing homes.