Deadly Fungus Candida Auris Spreading in U.S. Healthcare Systems

SOURCE www.foxnews.com
Deadly fungus Candida auris spreading rapidly in U.S. healthcare systems, resistant to antifungal drugs, impacting sick individuals, but not healthy people. CDC deems it an 'urgent antimicrobial threat.'

Key Points

  • Candida auris spreads easily in healthcare facilities
  • Impact mostly seen in already sick individuals
  • Significant increase in clinical cases reported by CDC since 2016
  • Georgia detected over 1,300 cases of Candida auris
  • Focus on developing new treatments and improving disinfection measures

Pros

  • CDC tracking and monitoring the spread of Candida auris
  • Research ongoing to develop new treatments
  • Increased awareness about antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings

Cons

  • Candida auris is resistant to multiple antifungal drugs
  • Can cause life-threatening illness in sick individuals
  • Disinfectants historically used in hospitals not effective against Candida auris