Dangerous drug-resistant fungus spreads across US, reaching 27 states

August 11, 2026 - 23:40

Health officials are reporting a sharp rise in cases of Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus that has now been detected in 27 states across the country. In 2026 alone, thousands of infections have been confirmed, with the highest numbers seen in Nevada, California, and New York. The fungus, which was first identified in Japan in 2009, has become a growing threat in hospitals and nursing homes, where it spreads easily through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment.

Candida auris is particularly dangerous because it can cause severe bloodstream infections, wound infections, and ear infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems. What makes it even more concerning is its resistance to multiple antifungal drugs, leaving doctors with very few treatment options. In some cases, the fungus is resistant to all three major classes of antifungal medications, making infections nearly impossible to treat.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified Candida auris as an urgent public health threat. Since 2020, cases have more than tripled, and the fungus has been found in all 50 states, though the current outbreak is concentrated in the 27 states reporting active transmission. Health experts say the spread is likely linked to increased use of medical devices like catheters and ventilators, as well as lapses in cleaning protocols in healthcare facilities.

Officials are urging hospitals to screen high-risk patients, use strict disinfection methods, and isolate infected individuals to prevent further spread. While healthy people rarely get sick from the fungus, those in long-term care or with chronic conditions face the highest risk. The CDC is also working with state health departments to track new cases and study how the fungus is mutating. For now, the best defense remains vigilance and better infection control practices in medical settings.