Drug Resistant Candida auris Fungus Reported in 27 US States: What You Need to Know in 2026

A drug resistant fungus known as Candida auris continues to spread across healthcare facilities in the United States, with the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing confirmed cases in 27 states during 2026. While the pace of new infections has slowed compared to previous years, health experts warn that the fungus remains a serious public health concern because of its resistance to common antifungal medications and its ability to spread rapidly in hospitals and long term care facilities.

The latest CDC surveillance figures show that 3,437 cases of Candida auris, often referred to as C. auris, had been identified nationwide through the week ending July 25, 2026. Although this total is lower than the number recorded during the same period in the previous reporting cycle, experts emphasize that the fungus continues to establish itself across the country, making continued monitoring and infection control essential.

What Is Candida auris?

Candida auris is a type of yeast that can cause serious infections, particularly in people who are already dealing with significant health problems. Unlike many common fungal infections that are relatively easy to treat, C. auris is known for its resistance to multiple antifungal medications. This makes infections more difficult to manage and increases the importance of early detection.

The fungus was first identified only a little over a decade ago but has since become a growing concern worldwide. Healthcare authorities classify it as an emerging pathogen because it spreads efficiently in medical environments and can survive on surfaces for extended periods.

Latest CDC Numbers

According to the CDC's latest surveillance update, 3,437 confirmed Candida auris cases have been recorded across 27 states in 2026 through late July.

Although this represents approximately 1,000 fewer reported cases than the comparable reporting period in the previous year, the fungus remains widespread. In 2024, the United States recorded more than 6,300 new clinical cases over the full year, highlighting the continuing expansion of the pathogen.

California currently reports the largest number of confirmed cases, with 873 infections. Texas follows with 433 reported cases, while Tennessee has recorded 283 cases. These states remain among the areas with the highest levels of reported activity.

Health officials note that while the rate of increase has slowed since 2022, annual case numbers continue to rise, showing that C. auris remains an ongoing healthcare challenge.

Why Is Candida auris Dangerous?

One of the biggest concerns surrounding Candida auris is its resistance to treatment. Many fungal infections respond well to standard medications, but C. auris has developed resistance to several commonly prescribed antifungal drugs.

A CDC research paper published in 2026 analyzed more than 8,000 laboratory samples collected during 2022 and 2023. Researchers found that over 95 percent of the samples were resistant to fluconazole, one of the most frequently used antifungal medications.

The study also found that approximately 15 percent of samples were resistant to amphotericin B, while about 1 percent showed resistance to echinocandins, another important class of antifungal drugs. Fortunately, fewer than 1 percent of samples demonstrated resistance to all three major antifungal treatments.

Even so, researchers stressed that continued laboratory surveillance and rapid detection remain critical for controlling outbreaks.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Healthy individuals generally face a much lower risk of developing a serious Candida auris infection. Instead, infections are most commonly seen in people who are already hospitalized or receiving extensive medical care.

Patients at higher risk include those with weakened immune systems, chronic medical conditions, breathing tubes, urinary catheters, feeding tubes, central lines, or other invasive medical devices.

People receiving prolonged courses of antibiotics or antifungal medications may also have an increased risk because these treatments can alter the body's natural balance of microorganisms and reduce its ability to prevent fungal growth.

Healthcare facilities therefore remain the primary settings where infections occur.

How Does It Spread?

Unlike many infections that spread primarily through coughing or sneezing, Candida auris often spreads through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.

A patient carrying the fungus can leave it on frequently touched objects such as bed rails, medical equipment, chairs, door handles, or other surfaces inside hospitals and nursing homes.

If proper cleaning procedures are not followed, another patient can come into contact with the fungus and become infected or colonized.

People who are colonized carry the fungus on their body without showing symptoms. Even though they may feel completely healthy, they can still spread the organism to others. This is one reason why healthcare providers often perform screening tests during outbreaks.

Symptoms to Watch For

The symptoms of Candida auris depend on which part of the body becomes infected.

The fungus can cause ear infections, wound infections, urinary tract infections, or bloodstream infections. In severe cases, bloodstream infections may lead to life threatening complications.

Possible symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate
• Low body temperature
• Ear pain
• Pressure inside the ear

If the infection enters the bloodstream, serious complications such as sepsis, organ failure, or septic shock can occur. Because these symptoms often resemble those caused by other illnesses, laboratory testing is usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Why Prevention Matters

Preventing the spread of Candida auris requires strict infection control practices within healthcare settings.

Hospitals and long term care facilities use measures such as enhanced cleaning, patient screening, hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, and isolation precautions when necessary.

The CDC continues to encourage healthcare providers to identify cases quickly so they can reduce transmission and begin appropriate treatment as early as possible.

Researchers also continue to monitor how the fungus evolves and whether resistance to current medications increases over time.

Looking Ahead

Although the latest CDC data suggest that the rate of increase has slowed compared with previous years, Candida auris remains an important public health issue in the United States.

Its ability to resist multiple medications, survive in healthcare environments, and infect medically vulnerable patients makes it one of the most closely monitored emerging fungal pathogens today.

Continued surveillance, improved laboratory testing, infection prevention measures, and responsible use of antifungal medications will all play important roles in limiting future outbreaks.

For most healthy people, the overall risk remains low. However, hospitals, nursing homes, healthcare workers, and patients with weakened immune systems should remain aware of the ongoing threat and follow recommended infection control practices.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cleveland Clinic, and reporting by NTD News/Epoch Times.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have symptoms or concerns about a fungal infection, consult a qualified healthcare professional or your local health authority.