Life-Threatening Fungal Infection Cases Surge in the U.S.

A life-threatening fungal infection is on the rise in the U.S., new federal data reveals.

The total number of cases of Candida auris, also known as C. auris, sat at 6,197 in 2024, researchers at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said this week. That is up from 2,882 in 2022.

Clinical cases reported to the agency increased by 3,315. And the number of cases detected during screenings nearly doubled.

That’s concerning because though many cases can be cured with a type of antifungal medication called echinocandins, Candida auris is increasingly becoming resistant to medication, making treatment even trickier.

First reported in the U.S. in 2016, infection typically affects people with severe underlying medical conditions and can cause organ failure, sepsis and shock, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Common symptoms include severe, flu-like illness, low blood pressure and body temperature and a high heart rate.

While infections have contributed to deaths, the exact death rate is hard to know because most patients who are infected already have other serious health problems.

The yeast can spread to the body through medical devices, but can also easily spread from patients onto surrounding objects and surfaces where it may stay for weeks, the CDC says. The patients who are most likely to spread the yeast do not show symptoms and are known as “colonized” patients, although both infected and colonized patients can spread Candida auris.

Colonization means that the yeast is on the body, but it’s not making the patient sick. This can happen even after being treated for a past infection, UMass Memorial Health says.

Unfortunately, colonization can last for two or more years and there is no way to treat that yet.

“People who do not have these risk factors generally do not carry C. auris or become sick from C. auris. This includes healthcare providers and visitors,” the CDC says.

Healthcare providers can take several steps to prevent the spread of the infection in their facilities.

Medical staff should isolate infected patients, frequently clean rooms using special disinfectants, wear gloves and gowns and ensure that any visitors wash their hands with soap and water, according to the CDC.

“Patients infected or colonized with C. auris often continue to have it on their skin or other body sites for a very long time. Precautions are taken until they are discharged,” the CDC says.

Screening is also an important way to stop outbreaks, helping to identify potential spreaders.

“Screening is how healthcare providers and patients can know whether a patient is colonized and able to spread C. auris,” the CDC says.

It remains unclear why there were increases, but the CDC researchers suggest improved screening and testing could have been a factor, as well as the Covid-19 pandemic.