Spread and Threat of Drug-Resistant Fungus Candida Auris in the U.S.

The Emergence of Candida Auris

Clinical cases of Candida auris, a fungus causing serious infections, have been recorded in at least 27 U.S. states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 3,400 cases were reported through July 25. This issue is highlighted by a federal surveillance map, indicating severe outbreaks in several regions, with some states reporting hundreds of cases.

Health officials are alarmed by this emerging fungus due to its resistance to multiple antifungal treatments and its prevalence in healthcare environments such as hospitals and nursing homes.

The fungus poses a risk mainly to those with weakened immune systems, invasive medical devices, or underlying health conditions, although it poses little threat to healthy individuals.

Understanding Candida Auris

Candida auris is a type of yeast causing both skin and severe bloodstream infections. First identified in 2009, its resistance to multiple drugs is a concern for public health. Its ability to persist on surfaces and medical equipment complicates infection control in healthcare settings, leading the CDC to label it an urgent public health threat.

The CDC collaborates with healthcare facilities to reduce the spread, emphasizing stringent cleaning protocols to manage this threat.

Prevalence of Candida Auris

Cases of C. auris remain rare among the general public but have sharply increased over the past decade. By 2024, 6,304 clinical cases were reported nationwide, reflecting a growth trend since its first detection in the U.S. in 2013. In 2025, there were 4,290 reported cases, with 3,437 already noted this year.

States Reporting Infections

• Arizona
• California
• 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
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

California and Texas have reported the highest numbers with 873 and 433 infections respectively. The majority of infections occur in healthcare settings where medically vulnerable patients are treated.

Transmission of Candida Auris

Candida auris is contracted primarily through contact with contaminated surfaces, equipment, or infected patients in healthcare facilities. The fungus can endure on surfaces for weeks, contributing to its spread if infection control measures are inadequate.

Patients with complex medical needs, such as ventilators or catheters, face increased risk as these devices provide a pathway for the fungus to cause severe infections.

Even asymptomatic carriers can spread the fungus, complicating control efforts in facilities.