Story outline
- Between 2019 and 2021, clinical cases of Candida auris tripled.
- According to the CDC, the fungus has now been reported in 28 states.
- Candida auris is of great concern because it is often resistant to antifungal drugs, making infections difficult to treat.
Tyler, Texas (KETK) — The fungus, called Candida auris (or C. auris for short), was first detected in the United States in 2016 and is now spreading at an “amazing” rate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned this week.
Doctors have assured the public that they have no intention of taking over the world and killing us all, but that’s what we need to be aware of.
“This is something we’ve been tracking for probably 10 years,” said infectious disease expert Michelle Baron.
Between 2019 and 2021, clinical cases of Candida auris tripled. According to the CDC, the fungus has now been reported in 28 states.
“The fact that they’re increasing in number and in more places where they can be found is a very disturbing combination,” said Bruce Hirsch of Northwell Health in New York.
Candida auris is of great concern because it is often resistant to antifungal drugs and the infection is difficult to treat. becomes even more difficult.
“We’ve seen very rare resistance in the past, but recent reports show that low levels of resistance have now tripled,” Hirsch said.
Fungi aren’t usually a significant threat to healthy people, but according to the CDC, Candida auris outbreaks can occur in healthcare settings, where the fungus can enter a patient’s bloodstream and cause severe, life-threatening infections. It’s a big threat.
“People can get very sick when they get into the bloodstream through the skin,” Barron said.
“It can damage various organs, it can cause strokes, it can cause eye problems, and it can cause blindness.
The sick, long-term hospitalized patients, and patients with invasive medical devices (such as catheters and breathing tubes) are most vulnerable.
Fungi also have the ability to survive on surfaces such as walls and bedding. I’m here.
As with the prevention of many diseases, hand washing also helps prevent it.
Common symptoms of Candida auris overlap with those of other infections, such as fever and chills. A laboratory test is the only way to determine if someone has a fungal infection.
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