Rise of the Drug-Resistant Fungus Candida Auris Across U.S. States
A drug-resistant fungus, deemed an urgent antimicrobial resistance threat, has appeared across several U.S. states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports Candida auris screenings in 23 states by late July 2026.
Spread of Candida Auris
Texas leads with 715 reported cases of Candida auris, followed by Michigan with 518 cases, and Illinois with 379 cases. The fungus is spreading rapidly, with screenings detected in states such as Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Understanding Candida Auris
Candida auris is a yeast, a type of fungus. Resistant to multiple drugs, it can cause serious illness, especially within hospitals and long-term care facilities. Those with strong immune systems typically don’t get sick but may transmit it.
First reported in the U.S. in 2016, Candida auris has spread quickly. The CDC highlights the importance of rapid detection, screening, and infection-control measures to curb its spread in healthcare settings.
States Reporting Candida Auris
In 2026, Arkansas and Montana reported screenings with no recorded cases. High numbers are seen in Texas (715), Michigan (518), Illinois (379), Ohio (218), Nevada (166), New Jersey (166), Arizona (151), Maryland (184) and Virginia (119). The CDC notes that weekly figures may be revised as new data emerges.
Impact and Demographics
A review by the CDC covering cases from 2022 to 2024 noted that nearly 90% of infections occur in patients aged 45 and older, primarily in acute care settings. Such environments promote the fungus’s spread.
Symptoms and Transmission
Symptoms vary depending on infection location, it can include chills, exhaustion, fever, and rapid heart rate. Those infected may not display symptoms but can facilitate transmission.
Transmission happens through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. In healthcare, medical devices like catheters and IVs can spread the infection.
The CDC and health officials remain vigilant, promoting healthcare facility protocols to prevent further spread.