Candida auris infections on the rise

The Candida auris fungus, which preys on people with weak immune systems and is often acquired in hospitals, is spreading across the globe


Candida auris causes infections in bloodstream, ears and existing wounds. Fungus has also been isolated in respiratory and urine specimens, but it is not clear if it causes infections in lungs or bladder

C. auris is regarded as emerging pathogen due to increasing infections in multiple countries

Spreads in healthcare settings through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment, or from person to person

Fungus is resistant to antifungal drugs and hard to identify with standard laboratory methods, making it difficult to control


GLOBAL CASES (as of Feb 28, 2019)

Single cases
Transmission and multiple cases

1996, South Korea: First known strain

Canada
U.S.
Colombia
Panama
Venezuela
Netherlands
Belgium
UK
France
Spain
Switzerland
Germany
Austria
South Africa
Israel
Kenya
Norway
Kuwait
Iran
UAE
Saudi Arabia
Oman
Pakistan
India
Russia
China
Japan
Taiwan
Malaysia
Singapore
Australia


Sources: CDC, New York Times 
Picture: Associated Press 
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