Drug-Resistant Fungus Spreads Fast In US Hospitals, CDC Calls It ‘Urgent Threat’

A drug-resistant fungus is spreading across hospitals in the United States and researchers say the pace of its growth is alarming. 

Candida auris, a fungus known for resisting treatment and surviving on surfaces, is becoming more common in healthcare settings, especially among patients already facing serious health issues, raising concerns among public health officials.

A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control this month examined one large U.S. healthcare system and found that the number of clinical cultures testing positive for Candida auris jumped from five in 2019 to 115 in 2023. Today, thousands of clinical cases have been reported across the country. 

Most of the infections were found in blood cultures (lab tests for bloodstream infections), but researchers noted a growing number of cases from soft tissue (skin, muscle, or organ areas) and bone samples were also found in 2022 and 2023 — a sign the fungus may be spreading in new ways. This reflects broader concerns among health officials. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has since called C. auris an “urgent threat in the United States” because of how easily it can spread in hospitals and how few treatment options exist once someone becomes infected.

While the fungus poses little danger to the general public, it can cause severe — sometimes deadly — infections in people who are already medically vulnerable. Patients using breathing tubes, catheters, or other invasive medical equipment are most at risk.

"A lot of the common medicines that we use, like Diflucan, don’t work for it. And then the second line medicines, like Micafungin, in 10% of cases, that doesn’t work for it,” Dr. Timothy Connelly told WJCL.

Its ability to survive on surfaces and resist many common disinfectants is also a concern. This has forced hospitals to rely on cleaning products specifically designed to kill the fungus. Georgia’s Department of Public Health has reported more than 1,300 cases as of February 2025, with most of the spread happening inside hospitals and long-term care facilities, the outlet reported.

“Many of the disinfectants that are EPA-registered and historically used by hospitals and medical facilities are not effective against C. Auris,” Georgia Department of Public Health’s JoAnna Wagner told WJCL.

According to The Hill, cases have been reported in all but 12 states. New York (1,795) has the most reported cases, followed by Illinois (1,627), California (1,566), and Florida (1,485).

Disclaimer:

The information provided here is for entertainment and educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute medical professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Visit the disclaimer link for more details: www.biohackyourself.com/termsanddisclaimers.