Texas has emerged as a hot spot for a potentially deadly, drug-resistant fungus that is spreading across the U.S. and is regarded as a global health threat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 3,182 Candida auris infections have been detected nationwide so far this year. Cases of the yeast strain have been found in 23 states. Texas had the most: 715. The data were as of July 25
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The increase comes as Texas enters its hottest months of the year, when conditions are more favorable for the growth and spread of fungal pathogens
Many yeast species live on the skin and in parts of the body and normally do not cause problems. When they grow out of control, the most common strains can cause candidiasis, which manifests as vaginal infections, skin rashes, and white patches, soreness or redness in the mouth or throat, a condition called thrush. These infections typically are curable with antibiotics
The current outbreak of Candida auris is another matter. It can cause severe illness and even death in vulnerable populations — young children, older adults or people with weakened immune systems. If the fungus spreads to an infected person’s bloodstream, it can cause high fever, chills, low blood pressure, sepsis, shock and even organ failure
Candida auris is typically contracted in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities. It spreads from the skin to nearby surfaces or objects, such as doorknobs, bedrails and medical equipment
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The strain “emerged in 2009 and acts differently from most types of Candida,” according to the CDC. It “can cause severe illness and spread easily among very sick patients in healthcare facilities,” and it is often resistant to anti-fungal medications, the agency said
The CDC tracks cases of Candida auris nationally, week by week. Texas had 697 cases in all of 2025. Only Illinois had more, with 706. The nationwide total for 2025 was 3,489
This year, Texas cases rose from 16 in January to 258 by the end of May. The state saw its largest jump of the year in June, when the cumulative number of infections reached 528. By the end of July, the total was 715. The next-highest statewide figure was Michigan’s 518
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According to an April 2025 study examining how the fungus responds to seasonal weather changes, “warmer, wetter conditions allow fungal pathogens to thrive.” The CDC says Candida auris grows best at temperatures between 98.6 and 104 degrees
To prevent the spread of the fungus, public health officials recommend frequent handwashing with soap and water, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, disinfecting surfaces, sterilizing medical devices, wearing gloves and gowns to administer care, and quarantining people who are already infected.
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