CDC concerned about fatal, drug-resistant fungus found in healthcare facilities



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PhotoA drug-resistant superbug, called Candida auris, "presents a serious global health threat," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The federal health agency says the fungus has been found in healthcare facilities in 12 states.

The majority of the 587 reported cases were in New York, New Jersey, and Illinois. Other cases have been reported in California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia.

The CDC says the fungus primarily affects patients who already have health problems and have had frequent nursing homes.

"C. Patients who have weakened immunodeficiency, or who are suffering from cancer or diabetes, gold bladder catheters), "the agency said.

Identifying C. auris

The fungus – which can not be more easily misidentified since it is already sick. Misidentifying the fungus could put patients at risk of receiving the wrong treatment.

"Symptoms of C. auris infection depend on the affected body," the CDC explained. "C. may cause many different types of infection, such as bloodstream infection, wound infection, and ear infection. "The symptoms can vary greatly, a laboratory test is needed to determine whether a patient has a C. auris infection."

The agency noted that the invasive C. auris infections – such as those that affect the blood, heart, or brain – result in death for more than one in three patients. While most strains of the fungus appear to be at least one antifungal drug, most C. auris infections do not correspond to the treatment of antifungal medications known as echinocandins.

Avoiding it

With the number of reported cases, the CDC says it is important for patients and healthcare workers to take certain precautions in healthcare facilities.

If healthy people are not likely to be affected by Candida auris, it is recommended that anyone who is around a patient with C. auris (including healthcare workers).

"C. auris can spread between patients in healthcare facilities and cause outbreaks. In this way, it seems to be a lot like some multidrug-resistant bacteria, '' CDC expert Tom Chiller told USA Today.

To reduce the risk of a patient with Candida auris spreading the fungus to other patients, the CDC recommends placing the patient in a room with a roommate and cleaning the room frequently with a high-grade disinfectant.

The agency said it's continuing to investigate the spread of the fungus and working with laboratories to determine the best way to detect and treat it.

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