International
oi-Madhuri Adnal
A fungus that can survive on hospital surfaces for weeks and resist several antifungal medicines is once again drawing attention in the United States. Fresh data from federal health authorities shows that more than 3,000 clinical cases of Candida auris have been reported across 23 states this year. While the numbers have increased, doctors say there is no reason for the general public to panic because nearly all infections continue to occur in healthcare settings.
As of July 18, 2026, the United States has recorded more than 3,000 clinical cases of Candida auris, commonly known as C. auris. Texas has reported the highest number of infections with 706 cases, followed by Michigan with 503 and Illinois with 366.
This year, over 3,000 clinical cases of the resilient fungus Candida auris were reported in 23 US states, primarily affecting vulnerable patients in healthcare settings due to its antifungal resistance and ability to survive on surfaces.
Although the rise in cases has caught the attention of health officials, experts say it does not mean the fungus is spreading widely in the community. Most infections have been linked to hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities, where patients are already dealing with serious medical conditions.
Why are doctors paying close attention?
Candida auris is a type of yeast that can cause severe infections, particularly in people whose immune systems are already weakened. What makes it especially concerning is that many strains no longer respond to commonly used antifungal medicines, making treatment far more challenging than for most other fungal infections.
The fungus is also remarkably resilient. It can remain alive on hospital beds, medical equipment, door handles and other surfaces for weeks if proper cleaning and infection-control measures are not followed. This allows it to spread from one patient to another inside healthcare facilities.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Candida auris spreads mainly in hospitals and long-term care centres, where vulnerable patients are receiving treatment.
How does it spread?
Unlike fungal infections that people may pick up in everyday life, Candida auris is largely a healthcare-associated infection.
The fungus can spread through contaminated medical equipment, hospital surfaces or direct contact with a person carrying the organism. Patients who use ventilators, urinary catheters, feeding tubes or central IV lines face a higher risk because these devices can provide a pathway for the fungus to enter the body.
Doctors also warn that some people may carry Candida auris on their skin without showing any symptoms. Even though they are not sick themselves, they can unknowingly contribute to its spread within hospitals if strict hygiene measures are not maintained.
Who faces the highest risk?
For most healthy people, Candida auris is not considered a major threat.
The fungus mainly affects people who are already seriously ill or have weakened immune systems. Those admitted to intensive care units, residents of nursing homes and patients who need ventilators, catheters or feeding tubes are among the most vulnerable. People who have been on prolonged courses of antibiotics or antifungal medicines may also face a greater risk of infection.
What are the symptoms?
Recognising a Candida auris infection is not always straightforward because many patients are already being treated for other serious illnesses.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, possible symptoms include persistent fever and chills that do not improve with antibiotics, extreme tiredness, low blood pressure, a rapid heartbeat, unusually low body temperature and certain types of ear infections.
Because these symptoms are common to several illnesses, doctors rely on laboratory testing to confirm whether Candida auris is responsible.
Why is it difficult to treat?
One of the biggest challenges is the fungus’s resistance to multiple antifungal drugs.
Nathan Wiederhold, Director of the Fungus Testing Laboratory at The University of Texas at San Antonio, has said fungal infections often receive far less attention than bacterial infections despite being much harder to diagnose and treat. He noted that the growing spread of Candida auris and its increasing drug resistance have made it a serious concern for healthcare systems around the world.
What causes Candida auris infection?
Candida auris is known as an opportunistic pathogen. Rather than causing illness in healthy people, it usually infects those whose immune systems have already been weakened by disease or medical treatment.
The infection is primarily linked to exposure in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. There is currently no evidence that genetics or autoimmune diseases directly cause Candida auris, although people with reduced immunity are naturally more vulnerable.
How is it treated?
Doctors generally begin treatment with echinocandins, a group of antifungal medicines that remain the first choice for most Candida auris infections.
Depending on laboratory test results, other antifungal drugs such as fluconazole or voriconazole may also be used. In more severe cases, amphotericin B may be required. If the infection has caused extensive tissue damage or formed abscesses, surgery may sometimes be needed in addition to medication.
Should you be worried?
For most people, the answer is no.
Health experts say Candida auris remains largely confined to hospitals and long-term care facilities, where patients are already vulnerable because of serious underlying illnesses. There is no evidence that it is spreading widely in homes, schools or other public places.
The priority for health authorities is to prevent infections inside healthcare settings through strict hygiene practices, early diagnosis and careful infection-control measures. For healthy people going about their daily lives, the risk of catching Candida auris remains very low.
