Life-threatening fungus is ‘rapidly’ spreading in US hospitals: study
A dangerous fungus known as Candida auris (C. auris) is spreading rapidly among healthcare systems in the United States, according to recent reports. Initially reported in 2016, this fungus has been causing significant concern due to its resistance to multiple antifungal drugs and its ability to cause life-threatening illnesses.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently labeled C. auris as an “urgent antimicrobial threat” after reporting over 4,000 new clinical cases in March 2023. The CDC highlighted that C. auris spreads easily in healthcare facilities, primarily affecting individuals who are already ill.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control in March 2023 analyzed clinical cultures of C. auris collected across the U.S. from 2019 to 2023. The study revealed a sharp increase in the number of clinical cultures, with a 580% rise in 2020, followed by 251% in 2021, 46% in 2022, and 7% in 2023.
Researchers, primarily from the University of Miami, noted that the sources of C. auris infections have expanded along with the increasing volume of clinical cultures. JoAnna Wagner from the Georgia Department of Public Health reported over 1,300 cases in Georgia by the end of February 2023, emphasizing that many commonly used disinfectants are ineffective against C. auris.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a Fox News senior medical analyst and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone, described C. auris as an “emerging problem of great concern.” He explained that the fungus spreads in hospital settings, particularly on equipment used on immunocompromised patients, such as ventilators and catheters. Symptoms of C. auris, such as fever, chills, and aches, can be mistaken for other infections, making it challenging to diagnose.
Ongoing research aims to develop new treatments for C. auris, as the fungus poses a significant challenge due to its resistance to existing antifungal drugs. Dr. Siegel highlighted the broader issue of emerging antibiotic resistance in the U.S. and worldwide, emphasizing the importance of sterilization and disinfection measures in hospitals to combat the spread of infections like C. auris.
Healthcare facilities in Georgia are taking proactive measures by using EPA-certified cleaners designed to target C. auris. While the fungus can lead to severe infections with high mortality rates in sick individuals, it is not considered a threat to healthy individuals, according to the CDC.
For more information on health-related topics, visit foxnews.com/health. Fox News Digital reached out to the lead study author and the Georgia Department of Public Health for further insights on combating the spread of C. auris.
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
