Drug-resistant fungus likely to spread in nursing homes and hospitals has health officials worried



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(CNN) – The Centers for Disease Control is sounding the alarm on a life-threatening super-fungus that they've called a global emerging threat.

The deadly and pervasive yeast-fungus called Candida auris is on the rise in the U.S. and health officials are now warning about how fast it is spreading in health care facilities, especially nursing homes and hospitals.

There were nearly 600 cases in 12 states across the US, with more than 300 of them in New York.

Candida auris can enter the bloodstream and spread rapidly, wreaking havoc throughout the body, causing serious invasive infections.

The big problem is that infections are extremely hard to treat, because it is resistant to most anti-fungal drugs. And it is very difficult to detect because it is often infecting people who are already sick.

It is also difficult to identify, and can only be diagnosed by appropriate laboratories using specific testing methods.

That's going to make it difficult to control the spread.

Scientists are still working to learn more about the yeast. They recommend washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizers in health care facilities.

They also advise you to give you a better view of your health care providers.

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