The Candida Auris continues to spread in the United States, four persons in Washington state have tested positive for the deadly fungal infection. Public Health - Seattle & King County labels that this occurrence as the states first known outbreak, despite the initial case being detected in July of the previous year.What led to proactive screeningA proactive screening method played a crucial role in uncovering the first case, as a patient was admitted to Kindred Hospital Seattle. The health department said that tests turned up two cases in addition to a case related to Kindred, who tested negative. Furthermore, the authorities mentioned that an investigation is underway. Although the infections original source remains unknown.Kindred Hospital Seattle First Hill issued a statement indicating that all three infected patients were appropriately isolated with additional clinical and cleaning precautions to prevent the potential spread of the fungus. Currently, none of the patients show symptoms, as reported by NBC News. The health department was notified of the first case on January 10, followed by the subsequent cases on January 22 and January 26.Understanding the rise of Candida AurisCandida auris, a fungus first discovered in Japan in 2009, has been on the rise globally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began monitoring cases in the United States in 2016, revealing an alarming 94% increase between 2020 and 2021.Why does Candida Auris pose threatCandida auris poses a significant threat as it often exhibits resistance to typical antifungal medications. Certain infections have shown resistance to all three primary categories of antifungal drugs. Colonization, where the fungus spreads within the body without symptoms, can occur, leading to invasive and potentially fatal infections in 5 to 10% of cases.Who is most vulnerable to Candida AurisPatients in long-term acute care facilities, especially those with medical interventions like tubes or catheters, are at the highest risk. Severe cases of Candida auris infections in the United States have a fatality rate ranging from 30% to 60%. The fungus can be contracted through close contact with carriers or contaminated surfaces.What are the recommended preventive measuresCandida auris infections are treated with antifungal drugs, particularly echinocandins. However, some infections may be resistant to all antifungal drugs, necessitating high doses of multiple medications. Medical care is essential, and the CDC recommends isolation during treatment due to the highly contagious nature of the fungus.
