A dangerous and drug-resistant fungal infection known as Candida auris is gaining ground in the United States, with health officials reporting a growing number of cases across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the number of infections has steadily climbed since the fungus was first identified in U.S. patients in 2016.
In 2023 alone, the CDC documented 4,514 new clinical cases nationwide. More recently, an outbreak was reported in King County, Washington, and a case also surfaced at a skilled nursing facility in Snohomish County, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
C. auris was initially discovered in Japan in 2009 and has since spread internationally. It’s a type of yeast that is difficult to treat due to its resistance to multiple antifungal medications. The infection primarily affects individuals with serious medical conditions, especially those who require prolonged hospital care or have devices like catheters or breathing tubes.
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Infections caused by C. auris can impact various parts of the body, including the bloodstream, open wounds, and the ears. The symptoms often resemble those caused by bacterial infections—fever, chills, or general signs of illness—which can make it harder to detect without lab testing.
While the fungus poses little to no threat to healthy individuals, it can be fatal for vulnerable patients. Based on limited data, more than one-third of people who develop a serious C. auris infection do not survive.
Health experts warn that once a person becomes colonized with C. auris, they are at risk for future infection and can contribute to its spread, especially in healthcare environments.
Ongoing efforts by state and national health agencies aim to prevent outbreaks and protect high-risk populations from this emerging public health concern.
