Candida Auris Infection

Overview

This infection is caused by a fungus known as Candida auris. We also call it "C. auris." It's an emerging threat around the world. It's spreading quickly, and it's very hard to fight with modern medicines.

Causes

How do you get infected with Candida auris? Well, most people get this fungus in a healthcare setting, like a hospital or a nursing home. It's carried into these places on a person's skin, or inside their body. In fact, a person can carry this fungus and not even know it. Candida auris spreads through close contact. It can spread from person to person, and it lives for weeks on surfaces it touches. If you have a weakened immune system, your body may not be able to fight off this fungus. You can develop a severe infection. It can be fatal.

Symptoms

Candida auris can infect open wounds in your skin. It can infect your bloodstream. It can infect your ears. It may be able to infect other parts of the body, too. The most common symptoms of an infection are fever and chills that don't get better with antibiotic treatment.

Treatment

Candida auris is hard to treat. It's very resistant to drugs commonly used to fight other fungi. But most infections are treatable. Your doctor will create a care plan that's right for you.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.