Deadly Fungus Spreading across the US Leaves Agencies Puzzled

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As Reported By New Delhi

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is monitoring the fungus, has reported that a strange and dangerous fungus known as “Candida auris” is rapidly spreading across the Nation. Incidentally, C auris was one of 19 priority fungi pathogens designated by the World Health Organization last year. This post is intended to give you the proper information on Deadly Fungus Spreading across the US. Please have an attentive look.

The multidrug-resistant yeast was discovered for the first time 15 years ago in Japan. In 2022, up to 2,377 US citizens contracted it, according to the Wall Street Journal. The country’s health centers reported a 95% increase in cases between 2019 and 2021, according to recent CDC data that was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Comparatively, the fungus only infected 53 persons in the US in 2016, according to the organizations. A total of 28 states and the District of Columbia have confirmed reporting the infections, indicating that the fungus was not being properly combatted by the present safety precautions.

How dangerous is this fungus?

Due to its up to 60% death rate, the fungus has been classified as a rising hazard to public health by both the WHO and CDC.

  • Elderly people and those with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable after contracting the fungus.
  • Although it has been discovered in urine and respiratory samples and causes bleeding wounds and ear infections, it is unclear whether the fungus truly infects the bladder or lung.
  • In addition to causing catastrophic sickness in individuals, this yeast is also challenging to detect without the right tests.

Different Studies

For C. auris to be correctly identified, specialized laboratory techniques are required. Traditional laboratory methods may result in incorrect treatment and misidentification, making it challenging to stop the spread of C. auris in healthcare facilities, according to a CDC circular.

According to a 2022 study, the fungus has spread to more than 30 nations since its initial discovery in 2009.

The research stated that C. auris is establishing itself as a healthcare-associated infection in the EU/EEA, similar to other nations like the United States, as evidenced by the observed interregional dissemination and regional endemicity in one country.

According to sources, the CDC has ascribed the swift increase in yeast infections to the reuse of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies in overcrowded hospitals owing to COVID-19.

Final Few Words

The majority of C. auris infections are treated with echinocandins, a type of antifungal medications. The three main kinds of antifungal drugs can all be extremely resistant to the fungus in particular situations, making it more challenging to treat.

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