Candida auris: Deadly drug-resistant fungus spreads across 23 US states; symptoms, risks and all you need to know

Candida auris, a deadly fungus first reported in the United States in 2013, has now spread across 23 states, raising concerns among public health officials.

According to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 3,130 confirmed cases of Candida auris in the U.S. as of July 18.

The biggest concern is its rapid spread in healthcare settings. As the CDC explains, "C. auris can be multidrug-resistant and can cause life-threatening illness. It spreads easily in healthcare facilities and mostly affects people who are already very sick."


According to a People report, Texas has recorded the highest number of cases, with 706 infections—already exceeding the state's total of 660 cases reported during all of 2025. Michigan ranks second with 503 confirmed cases.

What is Candida auris?

Candida auris is an invasive yeast that can cause severe, and sometimes fatal, infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. It was first identified in 2009 from the ear canal of a patient in Japan and quickly spread to several countries, including India, where it was recognized as a major public health threat in 2014.

According to the CDC, the fungus has infected at least 7,000 people across 28 U.S. states. It spreads easily in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities and has been described as spreading at an "alarming" rate.

One of the reasons for its persistence is its ability to survive for months on skin and environmental surfaces. It can withstand many routine cleaning and disinfecting methods and spread through contaminated medical equipment as well as person-to-person contact.

"Each year, we have seen increases in our case counts, which underscores the need for sustained vigilance," the Alabama Department of Public Health told AL.com.

Another major concern is drug resistance. Some strains of Candida auris are resistant to multiple antifungal medications, making infections extremely difficult to treat.

"If you get infected with this pathogen that's resistant to any treatment, there's no treatment we can give you to help combat it. You're all on your own," Melissa Nolan, assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of South Carolina, told Nexstar.

What are the symptoms?

A July 2025 study published in Cambridge University Press that examined patients infected with Candida auris in Nevada and Florida found that more than half required admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), while more than one-third needed mechanical ventilation. Patients, whose average age ranged between 60 and 64 years, also frequently required blood transfusions.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms vary depending on the part of the body affected but may include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Lethargy or extreme tiredness
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Low body temperature (hypothermia)
• Ear pain, pressure, or a feeling of fullness

People experiencing persistent symptoms, especially those with weakened immune systems or recent hospital stays, should seek medical attention promptly.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, or medical concerns.