Candida auris fungal infections spreading in US at 'alarming' rate, says CDC
BBC NewsMar 21, 2023
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called the fungus Candida auris an “urgent threat” after a new study showed it has been spreading at an “alarming rate” through healthcare facilities.
According to the study, US cases of the fungus more than tripled over just three years. Researchers say that the pandemic likely drove an increase in cases, as health workers already swamped with COVID likely shifted their focus away from disinfecting other types of germs.
The rise in cases of Candida auris fungus is extremely alarming. While dealing with one public health crisis, medical workers failed to prevent another. There is a reason why infection protocols exist and must be strictly adhered to regardless of wider developments in public health, even the emergence of pandemics.
While news of a new "dangerous" fungus sounds very worrying, the majority of people need not be concerned about Candida auris. Although medical professionals should be aware about the potential for infection and need to effectively diagnose this fungus, the CDC doesn't need to panic the majority in the US who won't be affected by this development.