CHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio) – Cases of a potentially deadly, drug-resistant fungus have been detected in 23 states this year, including hundreds in Illinois, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC reported 3,130 cases of Candida auris nationwide as of July 18. Illinois had 366 cases, the third-highest total in the country behind Texas, with 706, and Michigan, with 503.
The national total is close to the number reported during the same period last year. The CDC said cases continue to rise annually, though the rate of increase has slowed since 2022.
Candida auris is a type of yeast that can cause infections ranging from skin infections to potentially life-threatening bloodstream infections. It spreads most often among seriously ill patients in hospitals and nursing homes and can remain on surfaces such as bedrails and doorknobs for extended periods.
Most healthy people face little risk. Those most vulnerable include people with weakened immune systems and patients with catheters, breathing tubes or other medical devices.
Some strains are resistant to common antifungal medications, making infections difficult to treat. However, the CDC said most infections can still be treated with a class of drugs known as echinocandins.
