Drug-resistant fungus that can spread to retirement homes and hospitals worries health officials



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(CNN) – The Centers for Disease Control are sounding the alarm bell on a super-mushroom threatening their lives that they have called emerging global threat.

The invasive leavening fungus called Candida auris is increasing throughout the United States. Health officials now warn of the speed with which it is spreading in health facilities, including retirement homes and hospitals.

There have been nearly 600 cases in 12 US states, including over 300 in New York and over 100 in New Jersey.

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

The big problem is that infections are extremely difficult to treat because they are resistant to most antifungal medications. And the symptoms are hard to detect because they often infect people who are already sick.

It is also difficult to identify and can only be diagnosed by specialized laboratories using specific test methods.

All this makes it difficult to control the spread.

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

They also advise you to remind your health care providers to do the same during your visits.

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