{
  "id": 181448,
  "title": "Map Shows Deadly Superbug Fungus Outbreak Spread Over 23 States",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/map-shows-deadly-superbug-fungus-outbreak-spread-over-23-states",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-05T16:28:22.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/map-candida-auris-fungus-outbreak-12287657"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A drug-resistant fungus, dubbed an urgent antimicrobial resistance (AR) threat, has surfaced in nearly two dozen states this year, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The latest weekly surveillance figures, ending July 25, 2026, reveal that Candida auris screenings have been reported across multiple states, spreading across every major region in the U.S. Texas recorded the highest number of cases, with 715 reported through the end of July, followed by Michigan with 518 cases, and Illinois with 379 cases. Candida auris is a yeast-like fungus that can cause serious illness in some patients, particularly those with compromised immune systems. While healthy individuals typically do not get sick from it, they can transmit the fungus to others. First identified in the U.S. in 2016, Candida auris has rapidly spread over the past few years. As of July 2026, the states with reported Candida auris screening cases include Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Arkansas and Montana have reported screenings but have no recorded cumulative cases. The CDC emphasizes that rapid detection, screening programs, and infection-control measures in healthcare settings are crucial to prevent the spread of the fungus. Symptoms of a Candida auris infection depend on the infected area but can include fever, chills, confusion, and difficulty breathing. Because many patients carrying the fungus show no symptoms, it can spread easily within healthcare facilities. Healthcare providers take precautions to prevent transmission, such as frequent hand-cleaning, isolating infected or \"colonized\" patients, and thorough cleaning of patient rooms. After discharge, patients and their close contacts are advised to practice good hand hygiene to avoid spreading the fungus.",
  "summary": "A drug-resistant fungus that can cause serious illness has been detected in nearly two dozen states.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}