As of this year, thousands of cases of a potentially deadly fungus, Candida auris, resistant to drugs, have been reported across 27 states, according to provisional data from the CDC. By the week ending July 25, the United States had documented 3,437 clinical cases of Candida auris in 2026.
Geographic Spread
California has the highest number of cases, accounting for 873 instances, about a quarter of the national total. Other states with significant case numbers include Texas with 433, Tennessee with 283, Ohio with 279, Georgia with 193, and Louisiana with 179 cases. Additional states like Illinois, Arizona, Michigan, Virginia, and Pennsylvania have reported over 100 cases each, according to CDC data.
Understanding Candida Auris
Candida auris is a yeast causing serious infections primarily in hospitals and nursing homes. The fungus can survive for long periods on surfaces. According to the CDC, it spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects including bedrails and medical equipment.
Colonization occurs when people carry the fungus without showing symptoms. Clinical cases may indicate colonization rather than infections, as defined by the CDC, where C. auris gets detected in regularly collected medical specimens.
Health Effects and Risk Factors
The health impact of C. auris varies, ranging from asymptomatic colonization to life-threatening infections, such as bloodstream infections. Patients with serious underlying conditions, especially those using medical devices like breathing or feeding tubes, are at higher risk. Frequent or prolonged hospitalization increases vulnerability.
Challenges in Treatment
Invasive C. auris infections link to mortality rates between 30% and 72%, often affecting already critically ill patients. The fungus proves challenging to treat due to its resistance to multiple antifungal drugs, prompting the CDC to label it an “urgent antimicrobial-resistance threat.” Over 90% of samples in the U.S. show resistance to fluconazole, a common treatment. Echinocandins offer the main defense currently, though some strains resist even these treatments.
Future Outlook
Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst, describes C. auris as an alarming emerging problem. Drawing attention to the wider issue of antibiotic resistance, the focus remains on developing new treatments. Enhanced sterilization and disinfection practices in healthcare settings prove crucial in managing the spread.
Ongoing research aims to address treatment challenges, reflecting a concerted effort to tackle this expansive issue of antibiotic resistance globally and within the U.S.