As of Dec. 31, 2018, there had been 551 confirmed and probable cases of Candida auris, an emerging fungus, in the United States, according to the CDC.
C. auris, which is a global health threat, has caused severe illness in hospitalized patients in several countries, including Australia, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India and Israel, among others.
In the U.S., the most clinical C. auris cases were seen in:
• New York: 280 confirmed and four probable
• New Jersey: 100 confirmed and 22 probable
• Illinois: 118 confirmed and five probable
Additionally, 975 patients colonized with C. auris were identified by targeted screening in six states with clinical cases.
C. auris has been found in U.S. patients who had recent stays in healthcare facilities in India, Kenya, Kuwait, Pakistan, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Venezuela.
C. auris is a type of yeast that can cause bloodstream, wound and ear infections. Recent surgery, diabetes as well as broad-spectrum antibiotic and antifungal use are risk factors for contracting C. auris infections.