Schumer to CDC: Declare superbug fungus a public health emergency

Senator Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., is urging the CDC to declare an emergency over Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus that is spreading globally, reports the New York Daily News.

Mr. Schumer said an emergency declaration would give states more resources to identify and treat C. auris infections during a May 5 news conference in New York City. Such a declaration could also help limit the number of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions that are fueling the rise in superbugs.

New York has seen 319 of the 613 cases confirmed in the U.S. as of March 31. Eleven other states have also reported C. auris infections this year, including Illinois (156 cases) and New Jersey (106 cases).

More articles on clinical leadership & infection control:

Disinfection devices in ICU sinks dramatically reduce superbugs, study finds
Patient falls off OR table at Colorado hospital, lawsuit claims
764 measles cases confirmed in US: 4 updates

Copyright © 2024 Becker's Healthcare. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy. Linking and Reprinting Policy.

 

Featured Whitepapers

Featured Webinars