Map shows spread of deadly fungus across US after warning of global threat

17 December 2023 , 18:36

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Map shows the spread of candida auris through the US (Image: cdc)

A map from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals the alarming spread of a deadly fungus across the US. The graphic shows areas currently experiencing high levels of cases of Candida auris, which could pose a serious global health threat.

The CDC's Mycotic Diseases Branch is monitoring the number of cases to assess prevention strategies and inform public health practices. It's believed that in most instances, the fungus spreads within healthcare facilities in the same city or state.

States with the highest numbers of cases include California, Nevada, Texas, Illinois, New York, and Florida, each with hundreds of infections. Other states with cases are Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Massachusetts.

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Data has shown where in the US cases of the fungus have been found (Getty Images)

The map is updated monthly with case counts provided by local and state health departments. It includes data from as early as 2013, which marks the first known US case.

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In the last year, there were 2,377 people who got really sick and 5,754 found out they might get sick too. This info is from January to December 2022.

The CDC says Candida auris is a bad yeast that can make you very ill and it spreads super fast in hospitals. It's tough because the usual medicines don't always work.

There have been thousand of Candida auris cases in the US in the most recent 12 months (cdc)

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The website explains: "The fungus can cause infections in different parts of the body such as in the bloodstream, open wounds, and ears."

It also says: "The symptoms depend on the location and severity of the infection. Symptoms may be similar to symptoms of an infection caused by bacteria. There is not a common set of symptoms specific for infections."

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]

Sean McPolin