C. auris is an emerging strain of drug-resistant yeast known to cause bloodstream, wound and ear infections. The fungus has been linked to outbreaks in hospitals around the world. In April, Anne Schuchat, MD, the former acting director of the CDC, called the fungus a catastrophic threat. The agency issued its first alert regarding the fungus in June 2016.
Here are three key takeaways from the CDC update.
- Clinical cases have been identified in nine states:
- Connecticut — one case
- Florida — one case
- Illinois — four cases
- Indiana — one case
- Maryland — one case
- Massachusetts — three cases
- New Jersey — 23 cases
- New York — 77 cases
- Oklahoma — one case
- All 112 cases were identified after providers obtained specimens from patients through the normal course of care. C. auris isolates were also obtained from an additional 120 patients screened for colonization in facilities reporting clinical cases.
- All laboratory staff in the U.S. who identify C. auris are encouraged to notify local and state health authorities, as well as the CDC at candidaauris@cdc.gov.
To learn more about C. auris, click here.
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