Deadly Fungus Spreading Across the U.S. – Maine & Massachusetts Residents Take Note

When we think about fungus, assuming we don't instantly think about mushrooms, most of us think of athlete's foot or jock itch.

While they are annoying, in most cases, the above are not fatal.

However, in recent years, we have heard more about dangerous, potentially deadly, fungi spreading across the United States.

The spread of one particular fungus variety has exploded over the last few years.

What is C. auris / Candida Auris?

According to an article on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, the fungus, which was first reported in the United States in 2016, had over 4,500 cases in 2023.

The yeast-like fungus is known to spread easily at healthcare facilities if precautions are not taken.  It is also somewhat difficult to detect and can live on people and surfaces for months.

The good news is that healthy people, who lack risk factors, generally do not get infected or colonized.

The site explains:

?It spreads easily in healthcare facilities and mostly affects people who are already very sick. People without risk factors generally do not get infected or colonized with C. auris infection."

C. auris is also known to be multi-drug resistant and it can cause life-threatening problems.

So far, there have been no cases in Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont, but there have seen significant numbers in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.

The article goes on to note that, while there has been a huge jump in the number of cases in recent years, prevention and control strategies have worked to curtail the spread.

You can find a map that shows how many cases there have been in each state (through 2023) HERE.  It does not appear that data for 2024 is out yet.

Dallas TV station WFAA recently did a report on the spread of the fungus:

Taking normal health precautions, like washing your hands, can cut down on your chance of getting C. auris or any fungal infection.