WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Federal health officials revealed that more than 3,000 cases of the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris have been reported across at least 23 U.S. states this year.
According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 3,182 reported cases so far in 2026. Illinois has recorded more than 350 cases, making it one of the states most affected by the outbreak.
CDC data shows that cases increased from 2,882 in 2022 to 4,428 in 2023 and 6,197 in 2024. The numbers have since fallen, with 3,348 cases reported in 2025 and 3,130 cases recorded so far in 2026, based on data available through the week of July 18.
As per the CDC, Candida auris is a drug-resistant yeast that mainly spreads among patients in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Notably, the fungus was first identified in Asia in 2009, and the first U.S. case was reported in 2013. It can cause infections in the blood, wounds, ears and other parts of the body, which range from mild to severe and may become life-threatening. Common symptoms include fever and chills, although they vary depending on the type of infection.
People at the highest risk include those with serious underlying health conditions and patients who need intensive medical care or use medical devices such as breathing tubes, feeding tubes, urinary catheters or intravenous catheters.
Doctors usually treat Candida auris with antifungal medicines called echinocandins. However, because the fungus is often resistant to standard drugs, patients may need a combination of antifungal medicines or other approved treatments.
The CDC recommends early detection, screening of high-risk patients and strict infection-control measures in healthcare facilities to help prevent the fungus from spreading.
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