Candida Auris: Drug-Resistant ‘Superbug’ Spreading in 23 States, CDC Says

Federal health officials have reported over 3,000 cases of a drug-resistant fungus called Candida auris in 23 states as of July 18, 2026. The fungal infection, which can be deadly for people in healthcare settings, has been spreading among patients in acute care facilities. Some strains of Candida auris have become resistant to medications typically used to treat fungal infections, raising concerns about the effectiveness of treatment options.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has noted a significant increase in Candida auris cases from 2022 to 2024, with 2,882 cases in 2022, 4,428 cases in 2023, and 6,197 cases in 2024. Most cases were among people aged 45 and older, and the majority occurred in males. In 2023, CDC officials expressed alarm over the rise in Candida auris cases and the increase in drug-resistant strains.

Experts warn that most healthy individuals can recover from Candida auris on their own, but those in healthcare settings with other serious health issues are at higher risk. The fungus can survive on surfaces for extended periods and can spread through catheters, breathing tubes, or IVs. Medical professionals are advised to wear protective gear when treating patients with Candida auris and to isolate infected individuals in private rooms to prevent the spread of the disease.

William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University, emphasizes that while the spread of Candida auris is limited to certain medical facilities, it remains a growing concern due to the fungus's ability to resist common antifungal drugs. Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco, acknowledges the concerning nature of Candida auris but notes that it is not a widespread issue among the general public.