A dangerous, drug-resistant fungus is spreading at a record pace—and New York is at the epicenter.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a renewed alert about Candida auris (C. auris), a highly contagious fungal infection with a 60% fatality rate among vulnerable patients. While generally harmless to healthy individuals, it poses a serious threat to people with weakened immune systems.
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- 1 What Is Candida Auris?
- 2 New York Is the National Hotspot
- 3 A Growing Nationwide Concern
- 4 What You Can Do
What Is Candida Auris?
C. auris is a form of yeast that spreads easily in healthcare settings like hospitals and long-term care facilities. The infection can enter the bloodstream, wounds, or ears, and is often resistant to multiple antifungal medications.
“It is often resistant to multiple antifungal drugs, spreads easily in healthcare facilities, and can cause severe infections with high death rates,” the CDC warns.
New York Is the National Hotspot
Between 2016 and 2023, New York reported 1,795 confirmed cases—more than any other state in the country. That number continues to grow:
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412 cases in 2023
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460 cases in 2024
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Nearly 150 new cases already in 2025
By comparison, the U.S. has seen 10,788 cases nationwide since 2016, with cases now confirmed in 38 states.
According to the New York State Department of Health:
“Some C. auris infections have been resistant to all three main classes of antifungal medications, making them more difficult to treat.”
A Growing Nationwide Concern
The CDC has officially labeled Candida auris an “urgent threat,” citing its high mortality rate and rapid transmission. The infection can survive on surfaces for weeks and spread silently among patients, making early detection and infection control critical.
What You Can Do
Health experts stress that while the fungus is not a danger to healthy individuals, those with chronic illnesses, recent surgeries, or hospitalizations should be extra cautious. Preventive steps include:
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Frequent handwashing
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Thorough cleaning of medical equipment and hospital rooms
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Strict adherence to infection control protocols
As New York continues to lead the country in confirmed cases, vigilance is key to curbing the spread of this silent and deadly superbug.
