Candida Auris: The Deadly Fungus Spreading Across the US

Key Takeaways:

• Candida auris (C. auris) is a drug-resistant fungus spreading in the US.
• Cases have increased every year since it was first identified less than 10 years ago.
• In 2025, new cases are similar to last year, but some states report higher numbers.
• Health experts are working to slow its spread and protect vulnerable populations.

Candida auris, or C. auris, is a deadly fungus that has been making headlines recently. First identified in the US less than a decade ago, it has become a growing concern for health experts. This fungus is not just dangerous—it’s also hard to treat because it resists many common antifungal medications.

What Is Candida Auris?

C. auris is a type of yeast, a fungus that can cause infections. It was first discovered in Japan in 2009, but it has since spread to many parts of the world, including the US. Unlike other fungi, C. auris can spread easily in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes.

This fungus can cause serious infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems. For example, older adults, young children, or people with chronic illnesses are at higher risk.

Why Is Candida Auris So Dangerous?

C. auris is dangerous for several reasons:

1. Drug Resistance: It doesn’t respond well to many antifungal drugs, making it hard to treat.
2. Contagious: It can spread easily through touch or contact with contaminated surfaces.
3. Severe Infections: It can cause life-threatening bloodstream, lung, or brain infections.

The Spread of Candida Auris in the US

Since it was first identified in the US, the number of C. auris cases has grown every year. In 2025, health officials report that new cases are on track to match last year’s numbers. However, some states are seeing a much higher increase in cases.

This pattern has raised alarms among health experts. They are closely monitoring the situation to understand why some areas are experiencing more cases than others.

What Are Health Experts Doing?

To combat the spread of C. auris, health experts are taking several steps:

1. Improved Hygiene: They are promoting better handwashing and disinfection practices in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
2. Quick Identification: They are working to identify cases early to prevent the fungus from spreading further.
3. Tracking Cases: The CDC is closely monitoring new cases and sharing data with local health departments.
4. Developing New Treatments: Researchers are exploring new medications to fight this drug-resistant fungus.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

While C. auris is a serious concern, most healthy people are not at high risk. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting infected:

1. Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, especially if you’re visiting someone in the hospital.
2. Stay Informed: If you or a loved one is in a healthcare facility, ask about their infection control practices.
3. Understand the Risks: If you have a weakened immune system, talk to your doctor about how to stay safe.

What’s Next?

C. auris is a reminder of how quickly infectious diseases can spread. Health experts are working hard to slow its spread and protect vulnerable populations. While the situation is serious, ongoing efforts give hope that the fungus can be controlled.

For now, the focus is on raising awareness and taking action to reduce the risk of infection. By working together, we can help keep this dangerous fungus from spreading further.