A drug-resistant fungal infection, Candida auris (C. auris), has infected more than 3,100 people across the United States this year, according to the latest data released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The fungus has been detected in 27 states, with California reporting the highest number of cases, followed by Texas and Tennessee.
Although infections continue to occur, the CDC says the overall trend has not exceeded last year’s figures and the pace of increase has slowed compared with the rapid growth seen in recent years.
More Than 3,400 Cases Reported
According to CDC data for the week ending July 25, a total of 3,437 cases of Candida auris had been reported in the United States.
By comparison, more than 4,290 cases were recorded during the same period last year.
The states with the highest reported numbers include:
- California: 873 cases
- Texas: 433 cases
- Tennessee: 283 cases
Health officials note that while C. auris continues to spread each year, the rate of increase has shown signs of slowing since 2022.
What Is Candida auris?
Candida auris is a species of yeast that can cause serious fungal infections, particularly in people receiving medical care.
The CDC describes it as a drug-resistant fungus, meaning many commonly used antifungal medications are less effective against it, making infections more difficult to treat.
The fungus primarily spreads in healthcare settings such as:
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Nursing homes
Because it is resistant to several antifungal drugs, C. auris has become an increasing concern for healthcare providers around the world.
Who Is Most at Risk?
According to the CDC, Candida auris mainly affects people who are already seriously ill or have weakened immune systems.
Those considered at higher risk include patients who have:
- Feeding tubes
- Urinary catheters
- Central venous catheters
- Prolonged hospital stays
- Other invasive medical devices
While healthy individuals are generally considered to be at much lower risk of developing serious illness, the fungus can pose a significant threat to vulnerable patients in healthcare facilities.
Fungus Can Survive on Surfaces
One of the major challenges in controlling Candida auris is its ability to survive on environmental surfaces.
According to the CDC, the fungus can remain on medical equipment, furniture and other objects for weeks or even months, increasing the risk of transmission within healthcare facilities.
Health officials also note that some people can carry the fungus without showing symptoms but may still spread it to others, making infection-control measures particularly important.
Discovery and Global Concern
Candida auris was first identified as a distinct fungal species in 2009 after being isolated in Japan. Since then, it has been reported in numerous countries and has emerged as a significant global public health concern because of its resistance to multiple antifungal medications and its ability to spread in healthcare environments.
Health Authorities Continue Monitoring
The CDC continues to monitor the spread of Candida auris and recommends strict infection-prevention practices in healthcare settings, including regular screening of high-risk patients, enhanced cleaning protocols and prompt identification of cases.
While the latest figures indicate that infections continue to occur across multiple states, health officials say ongoing surveillance and improved infection-control measures remain essential to limiting further spread of the drug-resistant fungus.
