CDC raises alarm as deadly Candida auris fungus infections spread across the US
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning as the drug-resistant and potentially fatal Candida auris fungus infections continue to spread rapidly throughout healthcare facilities in the United States.
US (TechtUSA) - According to a recent study conducted by the CDC, a drug-resistant fungus known as Candida auris, or C. auris, is rapidly spreading through healthcare facilities in the United States.
Candida auris is a type of yeast that can cause severe illness, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. The study reveals that the number of people diagnosed with Candida auris infections has been rising quickly since its initial report in the US, as has the number of carriers detected through screening, which is cause for concern.
CDC classifies drug-resistant Candida auris as 'urgent threat'
The geographical spread of Candida auris cases in the United States has expanded significantly since it was first identified, initially being confined mainly to the New York City and Chicago areas, but now being present in more than half of the US states.
Between 2019 and 2021, 17 states reported their first cases, indicating an alarming trend. However, CDC has classified C. auris as an "urgent threat" now due to its multidrug-resistant nature and ease of transmission in healthcare facilities.
It is also reported that Candida auris immune to some common disinfectants and can be present on an individual's skin without any noticeable symptoms, contributing to its rapid spread. The researchers suggest that the pandemic-related pressure on healthcare systems may have exacerbated the situation.
CDC epidemiologist Dr. Meghan Lyman, lead author of the study, has emphasized the need for continued surveillance, lab capacity expansion, faster diagnostic tests, and strict infection control measures.
