CDC reports Candida auris cases in 26 U.S. states
More than 3,400 infections with the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris have been recorded across 26 states, prompting health officials to stress screening and infection-control measures.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that as of July 25, 2026, 3,437 cases of Candida auris have been reported in 26 states, up from 48 cases in 2016. The fungus, a type of yeast, can cause serious infections ranging from skin lesions to bloodstream involvement, particularly among patients with severe underlying conditions or invasive medical devices such as catheters and breathing tubes.
"Screening patients for C. auris is important in stopping an outbreak," the CDC advised, noting that individuals may carry the organism without symptoms. The agency added that the pathogen can persist on skin, surfaces and objects in health-care settings, and that not all disinfectants are effective against it.
The states with reported cases include 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, and West Virginia. While the number of cases has risen sharply over the past decade, the CDC indicated that the rate of increase has slowed in recent years. Health-care facilities are urged to implement screening, rigorous cleaning protocols, and other infection-control practices to limit further spread.