The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about a rapidly spreading fungus that is considered an urgent antimicrobial resistance threat. The fungus, Candida auris (C. Auris), is resistant to anti-fungal drugs and has been detected in over half of the US, including Wisconsin.
 |
| Candida auris (C. Auris), is resistant to anti-fungal drugs |
Urgent Threat to Healthcare Facilities
The CDC has classified C. Auris as an urgent threat to healthcare facilities as it can cause severe infections with high death rates. Some strains are called “superbugs” and are resistant to all three classes of antibiotic drugs used to treat fungal infections. It is also difficult to identify with standard lab tests.
Not a Threat to Healthy People
CDC says that the fungus is not a threat to healthy people, but instead an urgent threat to people who are very sick, have invasive medical devices, or have long or frequent stays in healthcare facilities.
Cases and Screening
According to CDC data, C. Auris has been detected in 28 states so far, and clinical cases have been increasing each year, with the most rapid rise during 2020-2021 and a continued increase in 2022. Nationwide, clinical cases rose from 476 in 2019 to 1,471 in 2021. Screening cases tripled from 2020 to 2021, for a total of 4,041. Screening is important to prevent spread by identifying patients carrying the fungus so that infection prevention controls can be used.
COVID-19 Pandemic Likely Contributing Factor
The COVID-19 pandemic likely contributed to the increase in cases due to strained hospital workers shifting their focus away from disinfecting other kinds of germs.
Strep Throat Infections on the Rise
Physicians in Wisconsin are reporting an increase in severe strep throat infections, particularly among children. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause a fever, sore throat, headache, and other symptoms. Physicians say that severe cases are the worst they’ve seen in decades.
Possible Causes and Complications
Doctors believe that a new aggressive strain of strep and lack of exposure to the bacteria in years may be the cause. Serious complications can occur when the bacteria spreads into other parts of the body, including the lungs. However, hospitals are operating at full capacity but are not overwhelmed.
Early Diagnosis and Antibiotics Recommended
Getting an early diagnosis combined with antibiotics can prevent severe illness. The percent positivity rate has gone down in the last few weeks, and physicians hope to see a continued decline with the bacteria coming to an end when the school year ends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CDC has issued a warning about the rapid spread of the deadly and drug-resistant fungus Candida auris in U.S. healthcare facilities, including in Wisconsin. This urgent threat is especially dangerous for those who are already very sick or have long stays in healthcare facilities. Meanwhile, physicians in Wisconsin are warning about a surge in severe strep throat infections, particularly among children. They attribute this to a new and aggressive strain of the bacteria, combined with many people not being exposed to it in recent years. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial to prevent severe illness.