Potentially Deadly Fungus Detected in 23 U.S. States This Year, CDC Reports
A potentially deadly fungus has been detected in 23 states across the U.S. this year, according to the CDC.
San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, August 5, 2026 —
A serious fungal infection, identified as Candida auris (C. auris), has been detected in 23 states across the United States in the current year, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The fungus, C. auris, is recognized as an emergent global health threat due to its significant resistance to antifungal medications, its tendency to spread in healthcare settings, and its high mortality rate among infected individuals.
According to the CDC’s most recent data, cases of C. auris have been identified in the following states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
The CDC has been monitoring C. auris since its emergence in the United States in 2016. The agency emphasizes that while C. auris can cause severe illness and death, particularly in individuals with underlying health conditions or those in healthcare facilities, most infections can be treated with available antifungal drugs.
However, the increasing prevalence of antifungal resistance among C. auris strains poses a significant challenge to public health. The CDC continues to work with state and local health departments to track the spread of the fungus, implement control measures in healthcare facilities, and develop strategies to combat its growing threat.
Further information regarding the spread and characteristics of C. auris is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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