The CDC continues to sound the alarm about the dangerous superbug Candida auris (C. auris) that is rapidly spreading in healthcare facilities and communities worldwide, particularly within the US. According to a new CDC report, C. auris infections have increased by 60% in the past year. The resilient fungus has been found to be resistant to multiple antifungal drugs, making it difficult to treat and control.
It has been found that:
- There have been 1,128 confirmed and probable cases of C. auris in the US as of March 2023.
- More than 70% of the C. auris strains identified in the US have been resistant to at least one antifungal drug, and 30% have been resistant to two or more drugs.
- The mortality rate for patients with C. auris infections is high, with an estimated 30-60% of patients dying within 90 days of diagnosis.
C. auris primarily spreads within hospitals by surface contamination. The CDC urges healthcare providers to be aware of the risk of C. auris and to take infection prevention and control measures, such as hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and screening of high-risk patients. The CDC also recommends laboratory testing and reporting of C. auris cases to help track and contain the spread of the fungus.
Stay informed and vigilant about emerging threats like C. auris and collaborate with your colleagues and public health authorities to protect patients and communities. Let’s work together to combat the spread of C. auris and other healthcare-associated infections.
