Summary (tl;dr)

A highly drug-resistant and deadly fungus, Candida auris, is rapidly spreading through healthcare facilities across the United States, with thousands of cases reported in 23 states in 2026, posing a significant public health threat.

Essential Background

Candida auris is an emerging, multidrug-resistant yeast that can cause severe invasive infections with high mortality rates, particularly in already ill patients. First identified in Japan in 2009, it was initially reported in the U.S. in 2013 and has since spread rapidly within healthcare systems globally. The fungus is concerning because some strains are resistant to multiple antifungal drugs, making infections difficult to treat.

The Full Story

The "deadly fungus outbreak" is currently trending due to the alarming spread of Candida auris across the U.S. in 2026. Federal surveillance recorded over 3,000 clinical cases by July 18, 2026, with the fungus reported in 23 states. Texas has reported the highest number of cases in 2026 with 715, followed by Michigan with 518 and Illinois with 379. Other states with triple-digit totals include Nevada (166), New Jersey (166), Arizona (151), Maryland (184), and Virginia (119). This pathogen primarily spreads in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities, posing a threat to patients reliant on medical devices like ventilators and catheters. The fungus can survive for weeks on hospital surfaces and resists standard cleaning, contributing to its rapid transmission.

Why It Matters

The surge in Candida auris cases is a major concern because it is classified as an urgent antimicrobial threat by the CDC due to its drug resistance and high mortality rate, which can be as high as 30% to 60% for bloodstream infections. The fungus disproportionately affects critically ill and immunocompromised patients, leaving healthcare providers with limited treatment options when infections become resistant to all major types of antifungal drugs. Its ability to colonize patients' skin without symptoms and persist on environmental surfaces makes it challenging to contain and eradicates within healthcare settings, leading to persistent outbreaks.

Geographic Location

• Arizona, United States (Candida auris screening cases, Valley Fever cases)
• California, United States (Candida auris present in Southern California, Valley Fever cases in South San Joaquin Valley, Central Coast, and new areas)
• Colorado, United States (Candida auris screening cases, Valley Fever edging into northern regions)
• District of Columbia, United States (Candida auris outbreak in Washington, D.C. healthcare facilities)
• Georgia, United States (Candida auris screening cases)
• Illinois, United States (Candida auris screening cases, high number of clinical cases)
• Indiana, United States (Candida auris screening cases)
• Iowa, United States (Candida auris screening cases)
• Kansas, United States (Candida auris screening cases)
• Kentucky, United States (Candida auris screening cases)
• Louisiana, United States (Candida auris screening cases)
• Maryland, United States (Candida auris screening cases, triple-digit totals)
• Michigan, United States (Candida auris screening cases, high number of clinical cases)
• Mississippi, United States (Candida auris screening cases)
• Montana, United States (Valley Fever edging into southern regions)
• Nevada, United States (Candida auris screening cases, triple-digit totals, Valley Fever cases)
• New Jersey, United States (Candida auris screening cases, triple-digit totals, spread in hospitals and nursing homes)
• New Mexico, United States (Valley Fever cases)
• North Carolina, United States (Candida auris screening cases)
• North Dakota, United States (Candida auris screening cases)
• Ohio, United States (Candida auris screening cases)
• Pennsylvania, United States (Candida auris screening cases)
• Tennessee, United States (Candida auris screening cases)
• Texas, United States (Candida auris screening cases, highest number of clinical cases, Valley Fever in new areas)
• Utah, United States (Candida auris screening cases, Valley Fever in new areas)
• Virginia, United States (Candida auris screening cases, triple-digit totals)
• Washington State, United States (Candida auris spreading, Valley Fever in south-central region)
• Wisconsin, United States (Candida auris screening cases)
• Colombia (Extensive Candida auris hospital transmissions)
• India (Extensive Candida auris hospital transmissions, ICU outbreak with COVID-19 patients)
• Pakistan (Extensive Candida auris hospital transmissions)
• South Africa (Extensive Candida auris hospital transmissions, pediatric cases)
• Spain (Extensive Candida auris hospital transmissions, significant increase during pandemic)
• United Kingdom (Extensive Candida auris hospital transmissions)
• Venezuela (Extensive Candida auris hospital transmissions)