A drug-resistant fungus, identified by health officials as an ‘urgent antimicrobial resistance (AR) threat,’ has emerged in nearly two dozen states this year. This revelation comes from recent data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of the week ending July 25, 2026, Candida auris screenings have been conducted across multiple states, with reports coming from 23 states, indicating the fungus’ presence in every major U.S. region.
Prevalence Across States
Texas leads with 715 reported cases, followed by 518 in Michigan and 379 in Illinois. These figures highlight the widespread impact of Candida auris across the country.
Understanding Candida Auris
Candida auris is a type of yeast, a fungus that can sometimes cause severe illnesses. Some strains are resistant to multiple drugs, complicating treatment efforts. The fungus often spreads in hospitals or long-term care facilities. Healthy individuals usually remain unaffected, but they can still carry and spread the fungus to others.
The first U.S. cases of Candida auris were reported in 2016. Since then, it has spread rapidly.
Spread Across Regions
The states where Candida auris screenings have been reported in 2026 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. Arkansas and Montana have registered screenings but no cumulative cases in the latest data.
Other states with significant numbers include Nevada and New Jersey, each with 166 cases, Arizona with 151, Maryland with 184, and Virginia with 119. The CDC has emphasized that weekly surveillance figures are provisional and might be updated as more reports come in.
A CDC review covering 2022 to 2024 indicated that almost nine out of ten infections occurred in individuals aged 45 and older, primarily in acute healthcare settings where the fungus is most prone to spread.
Prevention and Control Measures
To curb the spread of Candida auris, health officials stress the need for rapid detection, effective screening programs, and stringent infection-control protocols in healthcare facilities.
Symptoms of Candida Auris
The Cleveland Clinic notes that symptoms of a Candida auris infection vary depending on the site of infection. They can include:
- Chills
- Extreme fatigue
- Fever
- Low blood pressure
- Low body temperature
- High heart rate
- Pain, pressure, or fullness in the ear
Often, those infected are already seriously ill, making symptoms hard to detect. Additionally, many carriers show no symptoms but can still transmit the fungus to others.
Candida auris spreads between individuals and through contaminated surfaces. In healthcare settings, infections can also pass via contaminated medical equipment, such as catheters, IVs, and breathing tubes.