Candida auris fungus found in 23 U.S. states, including Wisconsin
The drug-resistant fungus Candida auris has been reported in 23 states, with Wisconsin recording 31 provisional cases in 2026, according to health officials.
The antifungal-resistant yeast Candida auris has been identified in 23 states across the United States, health officials said. Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services reported 31 provisional cases for 2026, bringing the state’s total since the first detection in 2022 to more than 100.
"While still relatively rare, this fungus is becoming more common," the department’s website states.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed Texas with the highest number of cases in 2026 (715), followed by Michigan (518) and Illinois (379). Nationwide reports exceeded 6,000 cases in 2024.
Candida auris spreads through direct contact and can persist on surfaces for extended periods, prompting recommendations for rigorous hand hygiene and surface cleaning in health-care settings. The fungus primarily affects patients with weakened immune systems or those with medical devices.
"You may not notice symptoms of C. auris because patients with this type of fungus are often already sick in the hospital with another serious illness or condition," the department’s website explains.
Laboratory testing is required for diagnosis, as symptoms vary depending on the infection site and can include bloodstream, wound or ear infections. The CDC estimates a mortality rate of 30% to 60% among those infected, noting that many patients also have other serious health conditions.