Candida auris: The deadly superbug fungus experts say is spreading at an 'alarming rate' around the world
Cases in the USA are spreading at an ‘alarming rate’ 🏥
- Candida auris is an emerging global threat to health.
- It is hard to treat as it can develop resistance to multiple antifungal medications.
- Cases in the USA are spreading at an ‘alarming rate’ according to the CDC with at least 7,000 people catching the infection in 2025.
Candida auris is an emerging global health threat that is causing concern amongst health experts worldwide.
It was first identified in 2009 in the ear of a Japanese patient and has since been found in more than 40 countries across 6 continents.
Cases in the USA are spreading at an “alarming rate” according to the Center for Disease Control, with The Hill reporting clinical cases in almost half of states in 2025, infecting at least 7,000 people.
The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) described the fungus, which can be deadly, as posing a “significant threat to human health.”
What is Candida auris?
Candida auris (C. auris) is a newly discovered type of fungus that can cause severe illness in those who are critically unwell or have weakened immune systems.
It was first identified in 2009 in the ear of a Japanese patient and has since been found in more than 40 countries across 6 continents.
Identifying C. auris can be challenging, with the UKHSA explaining that there can be delays in correctly managing those who are colonised or infected.
What makes it so dangerous is that even when it is identified, it can be resistant to antifungal medications normally used to treat yeast infections. This can make it difficult and sometimes impossible to treat, as the fungus is not killed by the treatment and instead can continue to grow.
C. auris mostly affects patients with severe underlying medical conditions and those requiring complex medical care.
Those who are at risk according to the UKHSA include:
- patients who received healthcare abroad in the last year, including repatriations or international patient transfer to UK hospitals for medical care, especially from countries with ongoing outbreaks
- patients with prolonged hospital stays
- those with medical devices which go into their body
- intensive care unit patients
- individuals who were previously treated with certain antibiotics
What are the symptoms of Candida auris?
There are no set symptoms, as the signs of C. auris can vary depending on the location of the infection in the body. Some people may carry it without symptoms, while others can develop serious infections in the skin, blood, or wounds.
How does it spread?
C. auris spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces, medical equipment or direct contact with someone who is infected. It can live on surfaces and objects for a long time, and can survive on a patient’s skin, whether or not they have symptoms.
People in close contact can become colonised with C. auris; they may carry it on their skin for months or years, increasing their risk of developing an infection and passing it to others.
The UKHSA is keeping a close eye on C. auris, which they have described as an “emerging global health threat”. You can find out more about what is being done to monitor and protect the UK from the spread of C. auris at UKHSA.