NEWS
CDC said Nevada has most cases of Candida auris fungus in the West
Carly SauvageauJeffrey MeehanReno Gazette Journal
Aug. 5, 2026, 10:55 a.m. PT
Candida auris, or C. auris, is a drug-resistant fungus that can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections in patients with underlying health conditions. Over the last several years, the sometimes deadly fungus has had a surge in cases in states like California and Nevada
Thoughthe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows Nevada with the most cases of C. auris in the western United States,the California Department of Public Health reported that the Golden State has had 53 more cases than Nevada so far in 2026. Last year, both states together counted for 44% of the nation’s total Candida auris cases, the CDC said
These numbers account for clinical cases, or cases that have active infections that cause illness. This is distinct from colonization, in which the fungus lives on the skin without causing symptoms but can still spread to others
Here’s a closer look at what Candida auris is, who is at risk for being affected by the drug-resistant fungus and where Nevada stands so far in 2026
How does C. auris spread?
Candida auris spreads most easily in health care settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities. Patients can spread the fungus whether infected or colonized, meaning it may be present on the skin without causing symptoms
The fungus can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, medical equipment or direct contact with caregivers, and it can survive on surfaces for long periods. Outbreaks often occur when infected patients are transferred from one facility to another, according to the CDC
Who has the highest risk of being infected by C. auris?
Infections mainly affect patients who have severe underlying conditions, require long-term or complex medical care, use invasive medical devices or have received prolonged courses of antibiotics or antifungal drugs
Because of this, C. auris is considered primarily a health care-associated threat, not a community-spread infection
Where have C. auris infections been the greatest in the US?
Based on data from the CDC, Nevada has the large portion of the Candida auris in the West so far in 2026. Though the California Department of Public Health is reporting more for its state at 219 cases this year, the CDC reporting do not reflect these numbers
Here are the states with the most cases in 2026 as of Aug. 5, according to the CDC:
- Texas: 706 cases
- Michigan: 503 cases
- Illinois: 366 cases
- Ohio: 217 cases
- Indiana: 203 cases
- Maryland: 180 cases
- New Jersey: 165 cases
- Nevada: 166 cases
- Arizona: 151 cases
- Virginia: 116 cases
What states have had the lowest number of C. auris cases?
Many states reported few or no clinical cases of Candida auris so far in 2026
In the Western U.S., several states reported zero or only one or two cases, including Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and New Mexico. Other Mountain West states, such as Colorado and Utah, also reported only a handful of cases this year
Low case counts were also reported in parts of the Upper Midwest and New England, where several states recorded zero clinical cases in 2026, including Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island and Connecticut
