Candida auris cases in the U.S. rose to 6,197 in 2024

The total number of Candida auris cases reported in the U.S. reached 6,197 in 2024, up from 2,882 in 2022, according to data released this week by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinical cases increased by 3,315 during that span, while the number of cases found through screenings nearly doubled.

The fungus can survive on surfaces for weeks and spreads easily in healthcare settings.

Infection characteristics and risks Candida auris typically affects people who have severe underlying medical conditions. It can cause organ failure, sepsis, and shock, and common symptoms include severe flu-like illness, low blood pressure, and elevated heart rate.

Many patients remain colonized for more than two years without symptoms, allowing continued transmission. The yeast can be spread through medical devices or by contact with contaminated surfaces.

Treatment challenges and prevention Some strains have become resistant to echinocandins, the primary antifungal class used against the organism. Officials note that colonization can persist after treatment and that no method currently exists to clear long-term carriage.

Healthcare facilities are advised to isolate infected patients, use specialized disinfectants, require glove and gown use by staff, and screen contacts to identify asymptomatic carriers. The CDC stated that people without known risk factors generally do not carry or become ill from the organism.

Researchers said the rise may reflect expanded screening and testing as well as effects from the Covid-19 pandemic, though the exact contribution of each factor remains unclear.