Is climate change leading to the rise of fatal fungi?
That’s one theory for the explosion in growth of candida auris, a fungus that is causing a wealth of health problems all around the world.
Candida auris can be responsible for severe illness for those exposed and can find its way into the body in a number of ways, including bloodstream, respiratory and wound infections.
Doctors say the offending fungus can be particularly bad for patients in hospitals and medical facilities already dealing with pre-existing conditions because it transfers easily from person to person and onto “other surfaces such as curtains, floors and cellular phones,” according to the Poison Control website.
It also can prove resistant to disinfectants, which is why it becomes so dangerous if inadvertently brought into a medical setting.
Symptoms of a candida auris infection can include abscesses, ear infections, fever and sepsis.
The mortality rate for those exposed to candida auris is estimated to be between 30% and 60%.
California and Nevada saw the majority of the cases of candida auris infections in 2022, but it was found in 29 states overall, and New York also dealt with a large number of cases.
As for why the fungus is becoming such a problem, many researchers believe climate change is a major factor, according to an Associated Press report. Candida auris was not discovered anywhere until 2009, and fungi adapt to warmer temperatures easily.
If you believe you’ve been exposed to candida auris, see a medical professional right away.
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