The US CDC has reported the highest annual number of Candida auris cases, highlighting the continued spread of this multidrug-resistant fungal superbug.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported the highest annual number of Candida auris cases ever recorded in the United States, highlighting the continued spread of one of the world’s most concerning multidrug-resistant fungal superbugs. With 6,304 clinical cases reported in 2024, the fungus continues to challenge hospitals and long-term care facilities because it can spread easily, survive on healthcare surfaces, and resist multiple antifungal medicines. While the risk to healthy people remains low, the CDC says ongoing surveillance and infection-control measures are helping healthcare systems detect and contain this emerging public health threat (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Tracking Candida auris
).
Healthcare-associated transmission remains the primary concern for Candida auris, particularly among patients receiving complex medical care. The fungus is known to spread in hospitals and long-term care facilities, making timely identification and rigorous infection-control practices essential to reduce transmission and protect vulnerable patients.
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US CDC Reports Highest-Ever Superbug Candida auris Cases
According to the CDC, 6,304 clinical cases of Candida auris were reported across the United States in 2024, the highest annual total recorded since the fungus was first identified in the country in 2016.
Clinical cases have increased every year since 2016, although the rate of increase has slowed in recent years. Between 2016 and 2024, the United States recorded 17,091 clinical cases and 35,477 screening cases, reflecting the continued expansion of the fungus in healthcare settings.
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Who Is Most at Risk of Candida auris Infection?
The CDC says Candida auris mainly affects people receiving medical care in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Individuals at greatest risk include those who:
- Have prolonged hospital stays
- Live in long-term care facilities
- Have central venous catheters, breathing tubes, feeding tubes, or other invasive medical devices
- Have weakened immune systems or serious underlying medical conditions
- Have previously received multiple antibiotics or antifungal medications
Healthy individuals are generally considered to have a low risk of developing invasive Candida auris infection.
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Why Is Candida auris Considered a Dangerous Superbug?
Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant fungus that can be difficult to identify using conventional laboratory methods. Some strains are resistant to multiple antifungal medicines, making infections more challenging to treat.
The fungus can spread between patients through contaminated surfaces, shared medical equipment, and direct contact in healthcare settings, increasing the importance of rapid detection and effective infection-control measures.
How Can Hospitals Help Prevent Candida auris Spread?
The CDC recommends early laboratory identification, patient screening when appropriate, strict hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and adherence to infection-prevention protocols to help limit transmission within healthcare facilities.
Although Candida auris remains an important healthcare challenge, continued nationwide surveillance, rapid laboratory detection, and stronger infection-prevention practices are helping healthcare facilities identify cases earlier and reduce transmission. The CDC’s ongoing monitoring provides valuable data that can guide hospitals, healthcare workers, and public health agencies in strengthening preparedness against this emerging multidrug-resistant fungus.
Reference:
- Tracking Candida auris – (https://www.cdc.gov/candida-auris/tracking-c-auris/index.html)
Source-Medindia