‘Superbug’ fungus is surging in Ohio, US. Spread, symptoms
Alex PerryUSA TODAY NETWORK
Updated Aug. 5, 2026, 1:18 p.m. ET
- A drug-resistant fungus, Candida auris, has been confirmed in 23 states, including Ohio.
- The fungus primarily affects individuals in healthcare settings with serious medical conditions.
- Ohio has reported 271 cases of C. auris this year, with the highest numbers in Cuyahoga and Hamilton counties.
- C. auris can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or people and is difficult to treat due to its resistance to antifungal medications.
A drug-resistant fungus dubbed a “superbug” is confirmed in 23 states, including Ohio, where hundreds of cases have been reported this year
Candida auris, commonly called C. auris, is a drug-resistant yeast that can cause serious infections, particularly in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare settings, according to the Ohio Department of Health
Through July 18, the CDC received reports of 3,130 screening cases nationwide in 2026, according to the agency’s National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System
How common is Candida auris ‘superbug’? Latest CDC numbers
According to the CDC, the U.S. continues to see substantial C. auris activity, particularly in healthcare settings
However, the risk to the general public remains low, but patients with serious medical conditions or invasive devices (breathing tubes, feeding tubes, catheters) are at greatest risk, the agency warns
Nationally, 3,130 screening cases had been reported through July 18, compared with 3,348 during the same period in 2025. The CDC also reported 60 new screening cases during Week 28 (July 6-12) alone
How widespread is ‘superbug’ in Ohio?
This year, Ohio has reported 271 cases of C. auris, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Cuyahoga and Hamilton counties reported the highest totals, with 56 and 33 cases, respectively. Franklin County reported 21 cases
CDC data shows Ohio recorded 17 new screening cases during Week 28. The agency reported 217 cumulative screening cases through July 18, compared with 242 during the same period in 2025
The figures from each of the agencies come from different surveillance datasets and are not directly comparable
What are the symptoms of a Candida auris infection?
The Ohio Department of Health says there are no symptoms unique to C. auris infections
Instead, it depends on where the infection occurs (wound, bloodstream, etc.), and its severity. Some infections could result in symptoms similar to other diseases, such as fever or chills
Healthy people generally are not at risk. Those most vulnerable include patients with serious underlying medical conditions and those who rely on medical devices such as breathing tubes, feeding tubes, catheters and IV lines
How Candida auris spreads
C. auris can spread in healthcare settings through contact with contaminated surfaces, equipment or other people. Both infected patients and people carrying the fungus without symptoms can spread it, ODH notes
The fungus can survive on surfaces for extended periods, making outbreaks difficult to control once it becomes established in a healthcare facility
Why this ‘superbug’ can be difficult to treat
While many strains of C. auris are resistant to multiple antifungal medications, most infections can be treated with a class of drugs known as echinocandins
However, some strains are resistant to those medications as well, making treatment more of a challenge
ODH encourages healthcare facilities to quickly identify and report cases to limit further spread
