Deadly fungus detected in Florida, 28 other states, presents a ‘serious global health threat’: CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring a newly emerged fungus that poses a significant global health concern. This particular fungus, known as Candida auris (C. auris), has been responsible for severe illness or even death in hospitalized patients, and healthcare facilities in 29 states, including Florida, have reported cases.

Among the states, Nevada has reported the highest number of cases at 384, followed by California with 359 cases, and Florida with the third most cases at 349.

The CDC warns that C. auris can enter the bloodstream and cause serious invasive infections, particularly affecting individuals who have recently stayed in nursing homes and have medical devices like breathing tubes, feeding tubes, and central venous catheters in place. Unfortunately, this type of yeast does not respond well to commonly used antifungal drugs, making treatment challenging.

[link to insiderpaper.com (secure)]