The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a warning about a potentially fatal, drug-resistant fungal disease, Candida auris, which has been rapidly spreading across the United States. The fungus, which can cause serious bloodstream infections and even death in people with weak immune systems, is highly contagious and can live on surfaces for weeks. In 2021, the number of cases increased 95%, from 756 to 1,471 and on 2021 2,377 clinical cases were reported. To make matters worse, traditional antifungal medications are often not effective against Candida auris and the number of drug-resistant strains is increasing. Cases have been detected in more than half of the US states, and health officials believe the number of infections has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic. It is therefore essential to take preventive measures to stop the spread of this dangerous fungus. Improved detection and infection control practices are urgently needed to prevent the further spread of the fungus.
HEALTHCARE
CANDIDA AURIS
ANTIFUNGAL MEDICATIONS