Candida Auris Infections Rose Significantly Since 2022
The urgent fungal threat affects primarily older adults, often spreading through contaminated surfaces in healthcare facilities.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in COVID-19
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Reported clinical cases of the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris increased from 2,882 in 2022 to 6,197 in 2024. This trend underscores a persistent challenge for infection control in clinical settings across the United States.
Why it matters
The rise in cases highlights systemic lapses in infection-control practices and a shortage of research investment into new antifungal treatments. Because colonized patients can carry the fungus without symptoms for months, it remains a difficult pathogen to contain in medical facilities.
Official surveillance data tracked a rise in clinical cases from 2,882 in 2022 to 6,197 in 2024. Additionally, a study of 1,083 care interactions found the fungus on healthcare workers' gloves or gowns in 29 percent of instances.
The players
CDC
The nation's health protection agency that designated Candida auris an urgent antimicrobial-resistance threat.
The details
Candida auris spreads through contaminated hospital surfaces, such as bed rails, doorknobs, and blood-pressure cuffs. Patients who are colonized can harbor the fungus asymptomatically for months, facilitating its transmission to other patients or between different medical facilities. Lapses in standard hygiene protocols allow the pathogen to persist, while a lack of robust antifungal research limits the options available for addressing persistent outbreaks.
Timeline
2016: Candida auris was first reported in the United States.
2022: 2,882 clinical cases were reported.
2024: 6,197 clinical cases were reported.
September 5, 2025: 4,581 clinical cases were reported.
September 5, 2026: 28 states reported 5,099 clinical cases.
Health Landscape
This trend follows the precedent set by the CDC designation of Candida auris as an urgent antimicrobial-resistance threat. The ongoing rise suggests that existing infection-control strategies have struggled to curb the spread of this resilient pathogen in hospital environments.
The data shows 88 percent of clinical cases occur in individuals aged 45 or older, making this group the primary population for vigilance. If you or a family member are undergoing an extended hospital stay, it is worth discussing infection-control measures and facility hygiene with your doctor.
The takeaway
The sustained increase in Candida auris cases highlights the importance of maintaining strict hygiene in healthcare settings. Always verify that care staff perform hand hygiene and use appropriate protective gear when entering your room.
Further reading
For more on managing hospital-acquired infections, see COVID-19.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Scientist.
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