The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that Candida auris, a lethal fungus that is resistant to most medications, is growing quickly in medical institutions across the country (CDC). C. auris may endure on surfaces, on the skin, and all over the body, according to the CDC, making it an immediate concern from antibiotic resistance.
- auris infections have risen annually since the CDC first identified occurrences of the disease in the country in 2016, nevertheless. The most notable increase in cases was between 2020 and 2021, with 2021 seeing a 200% increase 2020 in the number of people who were carrying the fungus but not sick.
With more than half of U.S. states having been confirmed C. auris as of December 31, preliminary data indicates that the number of cases has continued to climb. The alarming surge in cases and their dispersion around the globe emphasize the need for ongoing surveillance, improved lab capacity, speedier diagnostic procedures, and commitment to tried-and-true infection prevention and control measures.
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Although the fungus poses little harm to healthy individuals with robust immune systems, those with weakened immune systems, invasive medical equipment, or those who frequently visit hospitals are at risk for contracting life-threatening infections. Between 30% and 60% of infected people pass away, according to the CDC. Poor prevention of infection and control measures in healthcare institutions, greater attempts to detect infections, and instances where a person who is not affected carries the fungus are all responsible for the rise in case counts.
The stress on public health systems brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic most likely made the C. auris outbreak in healthcare institutions exacerbated. The CDC stressed that healthcare institutions may minimize virus transmission by enhancing hygiene procedures, boosting case screening and reporting, and utilizing advised disinfectants.
