Drug-Resistant Candida Auris Fungus Now Reported in 26 States
The CDC reports that Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungal pathogen, has spread to 26 U.S. states as of August 2026, up from 23 states reported in late July. The fungus poses the greatest risk to patients in hospitals and nursing homes with weakened immune systems.
The drug-resistant fungus Candida auris has been reported in 26 U.S. states as of August 2026, according to updated data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Earlier reports from late July and early August cited 23 states, but the count has since risen. The CDC has classified the pathogen as an "urgent antimicrobial resistance threat." Federal health officials note that while the fungus poses a significant risk within healthcare facilities, the risk to the general public remains low.
The states currently reporting cases include Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Texas, Michigan, and Illinois have reported the highest concentrations of cases.
Candida auris is a type of yeast that is frequently resistant to multiple antifungal medications, complicating treatment. It is primarily a concern in hospitals and nursing homes, where it can survive on surfaces such as bedrails, doorknobs, and medical equipment for extended periods.
The fungus is most dangerous to individuals with severe underlying medical conditions, including diabetes, blood cancers, or weakened immune systems. Patients who require invasive medical devices, including catheters, breathing tubes, or IVs, face the highest risk for serious infections.
The CDC recorded 3,437 cases for 2026 as of July 25. Cases have climbed sharply from 48 in 2016 to 6,304 by 2024. Prevention measures include rigorous cleaning of patient rooms with specialized disinfectants, isolating infected patients, and consistent hand hygiene by healthcare staff and visitors.
