Summary (tl;dr)

Candida auris (C. auris), a dangerous, multidrug-resistant fungus, is rapidly spreading in healthcare facilities across the United States, posing a significant global health threat.

Essential Background

First identified in Japan in 2009, Candida auris has since emerged as a global concern, spreading to over 40 countries, with its first reported case in the United States in 2016. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified C. auris as an "urgent antimicrobial resistance threat" because it is often resistant to multiple antifungal medications commonly used to treat fungal infections, making it difficult to treat. This yeast primarily infects severely ill patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities and can be challenging to accurately identify using standard laboratory methods.

The Full Story

Candida auris cases are surging across the U.S. in 2026, with health officials tracking a concerning increase in infections. As of August 1, 2026, more than 3,500 clinical cases have been reported to the CDC nationwide this year. Texas currently leads the nation with over 1,000 reported cases, while Michigan has seen over 500 cases, and Illinois over 300. Washington state has also reported 13 cases in 2026. The fungus spreads easily among vulnerable patients within healthcare settings, often through contact with contaminated surfaces, equipment, or directly between individuals. The CDC has described the rapid increase and geographic spread of C. auris as "alarming," noting a significant rise in cases between 2020 and 2021, potentially exacerbated by the strain on healthcare systems during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why It Matters

The rise of Candida auris is a critical concern because it is frequently multidrug-resistant, making infections difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat. It can lead to severe and potentially fatal infections, including bloodstream infections, particularly in high-risk individuals such as young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems or other serious medical conditions. The fungus's ability to survive on surfaces for extended periods in healthcare environments contributes to outbreaks in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Of particular concern is the emergence of strains resistant to echinocandins, which are considered a first-line treatment for invasive Candida infections. Public health experts are emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced detection, comprehensive screening programs, and stringent infection control measures to curb its spread.

Geographic Location

• United States (widespread increase in cases across at least 28 states)
• Texas, United States (leading state with over 1,000 Candida auris cases in 2026)
• Michigan, United States (over 500 cases reported in 2026)
• Illinois, United States (over 300 cases reported in 2026)
• Washington, United States (13 cases reported in 2026)
• Arizona, United States (over 150 cases reported in 2026)
• Maryland, United States (over 180 cases reported in 2026)
• Nevada, United States (over 160 cases reported in 2026)
• New Jersey, United States (over 160 cases reported in 2026)
• Virginia, United States (over 100 cases reported in 2026)
• New York, United States (historically high number of cases from 2016-2024, with continued reporting in 2025)