The pathogen typically infects individuals with weakened immune systems.
A deadly fungal infection known as Candida auris is rapidly spreading throughout the United States, with four people in Washington state testing positive this month. Despite its rarity, doctors are warning that this infection can be highly dangerous due to its high fatality rate, drug resistance, and ease of transmission within healthcare facilities, as reported by NBC News.
The first case of Candida auris infection was confirmed on January 10, and the public health agency for Seattle and King County announced on Tuesday that three additional cases were identified last week.
Candida auris typically targets individuals with weakened immune systems and is resistant to several commonly used antifungal drugs. It is frequently found in hospital patients who utilize feeding tubes, breathing tubes, or catheters.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), this fungal infection can lead to various types of infections in different parts of the body, such as the bloodstream, open wounds, and ears. The symptoms depend on the site and severity of the infection. In some cases, the symptoms may resemble those of bacterial infections. However, there is no specific set of signs and symptoms associated with Candida auris infections.
It is possible for the Candida auris fungus to colonize the skin and other body sites without causing illness. This colonization can result in the transmission of the fungus to others without the carrier experiencing any symptoms. The CDC states that individuals who are colonized can spread C. auris onto surfaces or objects they come into contact with, potentially infecting other patients.
If a patient is colonized or infected, they should be isolated in a separate room away from individuals at risk. The room should be thoroughly cleaned using disinfectant products, and caregivers should wear gloves and gowns. People should use alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash their hands before entering and leaving a room where a Candida auris patient is located, as well as before and after contacting the patient or their medical devices, to prevent the spread of the infection.
The number of Candida auris cases has soared in recent years since its discovery in Japan 15 years ago. In 2022, it infected 2,377 people compared to just 53 in 2016, according to reports. The rapid spread of this fungus across most US states and 40 countries has led both the CDC and the World Health Organization to classify it as a growing threat. In 2021 alone, the fungus infected 1,471 people based on CDC data.
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