Over 3,400 infections caused by Candida auris have been documented in the U.S. in 2026.
By Cecelia Smith-Schoenwalder
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Aug. 6, 2026, at 5:38 p.m.
Deadly Fungus Spreading in U.S.
NICOLAS ARMER|PICTURE ALLIANCE|GETTY IMAGES
A petri dish holding the yeast Candida Auris.
Cases of a drug-resistant and potentially deadly fungal infection are spreading in the U.S., according to federal data.
Over 3,400 infections caused by Candida auris have been documented in 2026 across 27 states, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to the CDC, “cases continue to rise each year, but the rate of increase has slowed down since 2022.”
What Is Candida Auris?
Candida auris is a drug-resistant fungus that can cause potentially life-threatening illness.
“Resistant infections can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat,” according to the CDC.
Candida auris, which is a type of yeast, spreads easily in healthcare facilities like hospitals and mostly affects people who are already very sick. It can spread from person to person or through contaminated medical equipment.
“Most patients who become sick with C. auris were already very sick,” according to the CDC. “When patients with C. auris die, it is hard to know how much C. auris contributed to their death compared to other pre-existing illnesses.”
People who do not have risk factors usually don’t get sick or can recover easily on their own.
It was first found in 2009 in Japan and has since been documented in dozens of countries. It was first documented in the U.S. in 2016.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms depend on where the infection is. For example, the infection site could be the bloodstream, ears or a wound.
Therefore, infections don’t have a common set of symptoms.
“Symptoms may be similar to symptoms of infections caused by bacteria like fever or chills,” according to the CDC.
Where Candida Auris Is Spreading
Candida auris has been documented in over 20 states this year.
California reports the most cases at over 800.
Therefore, infections don’t have a common set of symptoms.
“Symptoms may be similar to symptoms of infections caused by bacteria like fever or chills,” according to the CDC.
Where Candida Auris Is Spreading
Candida auris has been documented in over 20 states this year.
California reports the most cases at over 800.
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