Candida Auris spreads across 27 US states: Symptoms of the deadly fungal infection and how to prevent it

With surging flu cases that have led to 1900 deaths so far in the US, another deadly fungus is expanding its grip across the country. Health officials are warning about candida auris, a deadly, drug resistant fungal superbug.

As of now, it has infected at least 7,000 people across 27 US states, confirmed the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What is Candida Auris

As per CDC, candida auris is a type of yeast that can cause severe illness and spread easily among very sick patients in healthcare facilities. C. auris can cause a range of infections from superficial (skin) infections to more severe, life-threatening infections, such as bloodstream infections.

What makes the fungus so dangerous

C. auris is often resistant to antifungal medications, meaning the fungus develops the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill it. That means the germs are not killed and continue to grow. Resistant infections can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat.

Typical symptoms of candida auris

C. auris can cause infection in different parts of the body like the blood, wounds, and ears. Symptoms of a C. auris infection depend on the location and severity of infection. Symptoms may be similar to symptoms of infections caused by bacteria like fever or chills. There is not a common set of symptoms specific for C. auris infections.

Candida auris risk factors

C. auris mostly affects patients with severe underlying medical conditions and those requiring complex medical care and invasive medical devices. Invasive medical devices are often necessary but create pathways for C. auris to get into the body. Examples include:

• Breathing tubes
• Feeding tubes
• Catheters in a vein
• Urinary catheters

Preventing candida auris

As per CDC, Candida auris can spread easily from patients who are colonized or infected. Healthcare providers can help stop it from spreading with these actions:

• Frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS).
• Soap and water if hands are soiled or ABHS is not available.
• Place patients with C. auris in a room separated from those at risk.
• Clean the patient's room with special disinfectants often.
• Wear gloves and gowns to deliver care.
• Ensure visitors clean hands with ABHS (preferred) or soap and water.

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