Candida Auris: The Rising Threat in the U.S.

A drug-resistant fungus identified by health officials as an “urgent antimicrobial resistance (AR) threat” has been detected in nearly two dozen states this year. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight the spread of this concerning fungus, Candida auris, across the United States. As of the week ending July 25, 2026, screenings have been reported in 23 states, spanning all major U.S. regions.

Understanding Candida Auris

Candida auris is a type of yeast, which falls under the category of fungi. In certain situations, it can lead to severe illnesses. Some strains exhibit resistance to multiple drugs, complicating treatment efforts. The fungus most commonly spreads within hospitals or long-term care facilities. While it poses less risk to people with healthy immune systems, they can still act as carriers and transmit it to others. The first U.S. case emerged in 2016, and since then, its spread has accelerated significantly.

Spread Across the States

In 2026, several states have reported screenings of Candida auris. These include Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Although Arkansas and Montana have noted screenings, they have not yet recorded cumulative cases.

By late July, Texas recorded the highest number of screenings with 715 cases, followed by Michigan with 518 and Illinois with 379. Ohio, another state with significant screenings, reported 218 cases. Other states with noteworthy totals include Nevada (166), New Jersey (166), Arizona (151), Maryland (184), and Virginia (119). The CDC emphasizes that these figures are provisional, with possibilities for revisions as state and local health departments refine their data.

Demographic and Prevention Strategies

A CDC review from 2022 to 2024 revealed that nearly 90% of clinical infections occurred in people aged 45 years and older. Most affected individuals were receiving treatment in acute healthcare settings, where the fungus has a higher likelihood of spreading. Health authorities stress the importance of rapid detection, screening programs, and stringent infection-control practices in both hospitals and long-term care facilities to curb the fungus’s spread.

Identifying Symptoms

The Cleveland Clinic notes that symptoms of a Candida auris infection vary depending on the affected body part. Possible symptoms include:

• Chills
• Extreme tiredness
• Fever
• Low blood pressure
• Low body temperature
• High heart rate
• Pain, pressure, or fullness in the ear

Since those infected are often already seriously ill, symptoms may not always be apparent. Moreover, many carriers may not display symptoms but can still transmit the fungus to others.

Transmission Dynamics

Candida auris spreads between people and via contaminated surfaces. In medical environments, it can also spread through contaminated equipment and can enter the body through devices like catheters, IVs, and breathing tubes.