This frightening map shows the spread of C. auris fungal infection across the United States, with the latest data showing the disease has grown exponentially since the first case was reported in this country in 2016. It is shown that
Recently, an outbreak of drug-resistant Candida auris fungus occurred in Seattle, Washington. Health experts have warned that the virus is spreading rapidly and has a high mortality rate, especially in medical settings.
Although the Seattle outbreak set off alarms and made headlines, the fungus has been present in other states for years. According to Forbes, the source of the infection has not yet been confirmed, but all the infected patients were patients at the same hospital in the city.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that this fungus, also known as Candida auris or C. auris,A serious global health threat.“It is difficult for medical professionals to manage because it is resistant to many, if not all, currently available treatments and difficult to identify.
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This dangerous fungus was first reported in the United States in 2016. According to the CDC, there were 63 clinical and 14 laboratory cases that year, spread across four states. Six of those cases were found to have occurred in Illinois.
In 2017, the number of cases nationwide increased to 173 clinical and 272 laboratory cases, with Indiana reporting its first case of the fungus. As the years passed, so did the Candida auris infestation.
The CDC announced that at the end of 2021, there were 1,474 clinical cases and 4,040 screened cases nationwide. The numbers include 82 cases in Illinois, 64 in Indiana, and the first case in Kentucky since 2016.
The latest data for 2022 shows that fungal infections have increased sharply over the year. Nationwide, 2,377 clinical cases and 5,754 screening cases have been reported, including 276 in Illinois, 87 in Indiana, and 22 in Kentucky.
The Indiana State Department of Health has called C. auris a “global health threat.” ”C.Auris It is resistant to many antifungal drugs commonly used to treat infections. C.Auris It can cause many types of infections, including those in the bloodstream, wounds, urinary tract, and ears.invasive C.Auris “Infections are associated with a mortality rate of 30-60% in hospitalized patients,” they warned.
According to the CDC, there is no.A common set of symptoms characteristic of C. auris infection.“Meanwhile, the UC Davis Department of Health says sweating, fever, and chills are common symptoms in people with fungal infections.” Fungi can cause bloodstream infections. Fever, chills, sweating, and decreased blood pressure are the most common symptoms of C. auris infection. “Infections have been confirmed in patients of all age groups, from preterm infants to the elderly,” the researchers said.
Meanwhile, the Illinois Department of Public Health said C. auris infection can cause serious infections even in the bloodstream. It can also cause infections in people's skin. ”C.Auris It can cause bloodstream infections and even death, especially in hospitalized patients and nursing home residents with serious medical problems. More than 1 in 3 people have invasive disease C.Auris “Infectious diseases (e.g. those that affect the blood, heart, or brain) can lead to death,” they said.
Some people infected with C. auris may not show symptoms but can still spread the infection to others. It can be spread through contact between people or common contaminated surfaces or objects. According to the CDC, hand hygiene is an effective measure to reduce the spread of fungal infections.
“Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS) is the preferred hand hygiene method for people who: C.Auris When your hands are not visibly dirty. If your hands are visibly dirty, wash them with soap and water. “Wearing gloves is not a substitute for hand hygiene,” the CDC warned.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people with weakened or malfunctioning immune systems or underlying health problems are most susceptible to C. auris. Also particularly susceptible to infection are people who have recently had surgery, are taking long-term antibiotics, or have recently spent an extended period of time in a hospital or medical facility.
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