Three-year-old black lab Mocha nearly died from a blastomycosis infection after likely inhaling a fungus from the soil around his home.
A deadly fungus is spreading rapidly across the U.S., raising alarm among health experts as treatment options remain limited.
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Candida auris, also known as C. auris, was first reported in the U.S. in 2016. Since then, the fungus has spread to 27 states, becoming a growing concern for hospitals and health care facilities across the country.
According to the CDC, last year, the U.S. reported more than 4,200 confirmed clinical cases of C. auris. Health officials say the country is already on track to surpass that number in 2026, with more than 3,400 confirmed cases reported through July.
Candida auris is a yeast responsible for many infections.
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California has reported the highest number of cases so far, followed by Texas and Tennessee.
C. auris is a type of yeast that can cause serious infections, especially in people who are already sick or have weakened immune systems. Unlike many other infections, some strains of C. auris are resistant to common antifungal medications, making treatment more difficult.
The fungus was first detected in 1996 by Korean researchers, but it was formally identified as a new species in 2009 after Japanese scientists discovered it in a patient’s ear infection.
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According to the Cleveland Clinic, the fungus can cause infections in wounds, urinary tract and ears. In severe cases, it can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Candida auris is resistant to most antifungal drugs, this fungus causes several deaths worldwide.
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Symptoms can be difficult to recognize because many people who develop C. auris infections are already dealing with other serious health conditions. Possible symptoms include fever, chills, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, fatigue, and symptoms related to where the infection occurs.
The biggest concern for healthcare officials is how easily C. auris can spread. The fungus can be passed through contact with an infected person, even if they do not show symptoms, or through contaminated surfaces and medical equipment.
In hospitals or nursing homes, C. auris can spread through shared equipment or by contact with surfaces where the fungus can survive for long periods of time. It can also infect people through medical devices, including central lines and breathing tubes.
A doctor holds a petri dish of candida auris.
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While C. auris can be dangerous, experts say most healthy people are not at high risk. The people most vulnerable are those with weakened immune systems, patients who have spent a long time in hospitals or nursing facilities, and people who have a medical device in their body.
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If you are diagnosed with C. auris, health officials say early detection, proper medical care and following infection prevention guidance are key to managing the infection and preventing it from spreading.
