CDC reports 3,130 Candida auris cases across 23 states as of July
The CDC says 3,130 cases of the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris have been identified in 23 U.S. states, with Texas, Michigan and Illinois reporting the highest numbers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 3,130 cases of the yeast Candida auris have been identified in 23 states through July 18, matching the total recorded at the same point last year. Texas leads with 706 cases, followed by Michigan with 503 and Illinois with 366.
The agency noted that while the absolute number of cases continues to rise each year, the pace of increase has slowed since 2022. Candida auris can cause a range of infections, from skin involvement to bloodstream infections, and spreads readily in health-care settings, especially among patients with weakened immune systems, invasive devices or who reside in nursing homes.
"Patients who are infected and those who carry the fungus without symptoms can spread C. auris, which can persist on surfaces such as doorknobs and bedrails for extended periods," the CDC explained.
Resistance to antifungal drugs is common; more than 95% of samples tested were resistant to fluconazole, about 15% to amphotericin B, and a small fraction to echinocandins or all three classes. Most infections remain treatable with echinocandins, the CDC added. Mortality estimates for C. auris infections range from 30% to 60%.