Labeled an “urgent threat,” the dangerous fungus is difficult to treat, thrives in healthcare settings, and is now spreading in dozens of states
A drug-resistant fungal infection classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an “urgent antimicrobial resistance threat” is spreading rapidly across the United States, with a recent hospital study confirming spikes in key hotspots like Florida and Georgia.
The pathogen, Candida auris (C. auris), is of particular concern due to its resistance to most antifungal treatments, its ability to survive on surfaces for extended periods, and the high mortality rate among infected patients. According to CDC data, the fungus has now been identified in at least 38 states, with total clinical cases exceeding 10,000 nationwide.
What Is Candida Auris and Why Is It Dangerous?
First detected in the U.S. in 2016, Candida auris has steadily gained ground in healthcare settings. The fungus poses a serious risk to vulnerable patients, especially those with weakened immune systems or medical devices like catheters, ventilators, and feeding tubes.
“If you get infected with this pathogen that’s resistant to any treatment, there’s no treatment we can give you to help combat it. You’re all on your own,” said Melissa Nolan, an epidemiology professor at the University of South Carolina.
Infections typically present with fever and chills—common symptoms that make early diagnosis difficult. Once embedded in a hospital environment, the fungus can persist on surfaces such as bedrails, doorknobs, and countertops, creating ideal conditions for ongoing transmission.
New Data Shows Alarming Regional Spikes
A new study of the Jackson Health System in Miami found that Candida auris infections there have “rapidly increased” in recent months. Georgia’s Department of Public Health also confirmed a recent surge in cases.
Here are the states with the highest clinical case totals, based on CDC figures:
| State | C. auris Clinical Cases |
|---|---|
| New York | 1,795 |
| Illinois | 1,627 |
| California | 1,566 |
| Florida | 1,485 |
| Nevada | 1,008 |
| Texas | 750 |
| Indiana | 304 |
| Ohio | 274 |
| Georgia | 219 |
| Maryland | 203 |
The CDC warns that only 12 states have not reported a case of Candida auris as of the most recent data.
High Mortality and Growing Hospital Risks
The CDC estimates that 30–60% of patients infected with C. auris have died, though many had underlying health conditions that contributed to those outcomes.
Beyond its drug resistance, the pathogen’s ability to adapt and survive environmental cleaning protocols makes it uniquely difficult to eradicate. “It’s really good at just being, generally speaking, in the environment,” said Nolan. “Over time, they can kind of grow and populate in that hospital environment.”
CDC Urges Hospitals to Tighten Infection Control
As cases continue to rise, the CDC is urging hospitals and long-term care facilities to adopt enhanced screening, sanitation, and reporting protocols. The agency also warns that without coordinated national action, outbreaks could strain already overburdened healthcare systems.
Key recommendations include:
- Rigorous disinfection of patient rooms and common areas
- Surveillance testing in high-risk hospital units
- Immediate reporting of new infections to local health departments
- Enhanced training for healthcare workers on fungal infection prevention
What’s Next?
With recent increases in Georgia and Florida and signs of spread across the country, the CDC may issue updated national guidance in the coming weeks. Researchers are also calling for more funding to develop effective antifungal treatments and better diagnostic tools.
Candida auris is a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by antimicrobial resistance, and why public health systems must remain vigilant in identifying and containing emerging infectious threats.
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