A drug-resistant fungus known as Candida auris has been reported in 27 US states this year, with more than 7,000 infections recorded so far, according to figures from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Health officials say the number of cases continues to rise and warn that the organism poses a serious threat in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
The CDC has raised concern about the fungus because many strains are resistant to multiple antifungal drugs and can cause severe, sometimes fatal illness. Those most at risk include patients with weakened immune systems, people in intensive care units and individuals using medical devices such as catheters or ventilators.
