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(Gray News) – A drug-resistant “superbug” fungus is spreading in the U.S. as 26 states report cases
According to the latest tracking data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more <a href="https://healthylife7.com/is-cannabis-psychosis-riskier-than-drug/” title=”Is Cannabis Psychosis Riskier Than Drug”>than 3,000 cases of Candida auris, also known as C. auris, have been reported in the U.S. this year
The CDC describes C. auris as a type of yeast that can cause serious or life-threatening illness. It can spread quickly among very sick patients and is predominantly found in nursing homes, hospitals and other health care facilities
Infections can range from skin infections to bloodstream infections, depending on the site of the infection. Because of this, symptoms vary but may include fever and chills
C. auris can also be resistant to antifungal medication, which can make treating infections difficult or impossible
People with severe underlying medical conditions are at risk of contracting the fungus. Patients with complicated medical care and those with “invasive” medical devices such as breathing tubes, feeding tubes and catheters are also at risk
Most people without underlying medical conditions are not considered to be at risk of serious illness from C. auris but can still contribute to its spread
C. auris is spread through contact with those infected by the fungus, even if they are not showing symptoms. The CDC reported that C. auris can remain on a person’s skin or body for a long time without the person ever showing symptoms
The fungus can also be spread on surfaces and objects, such as bedrails and doorknobs at health care facilities. It can live on surfaces and objects for a long time, and not all disinfectants work against it
As of July 25, 2026, there have been 3,437 reported cases of C. auris
Cases have been reported in the following 26 states:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
Cases have climbed sharply in the past decade, according to the CDC’s tracking data. The agency reported there were 6,304 clinical cases in 2024 compared to only 48 cases in 2016
However, the CDC said the rate of the increase has slowed in recent years
The CDC advised that screening patients for C. auris is important in stopping an outbreak, since some people may have the fungus without showing symptoms
Other actions that can help stop the spread include:
- Wash hands frequently with alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Clean infected patients’ rooms often with special disinfectants
- Keep infected patients in separate rooms from those at risk
- Wear gloves and gowns when delivering care
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