The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about a deadly fungus that is spreading rapidly through healthcare facilities across the United States. Candida auris, also known as CRS, is a type of yeast that is a concern for people who are immunocompromised, such as cancer patients, and those who have undergone surgery or have catheters inserted. The fungus can cause serious infections, and in some cases, it can lead to death.
According to the CDC, CRS is spreading faster across the country than they expected. So far this year, the country has had 20 cases, down from last year’s 60 cases. The CDC is urging healthcare facilities to be aware of the threat and take necessary precautions to prevent its spread.
One of the biggest concerns with CRS is that it can be hard to diagnose. The symptoms of the infection include fever and chills, which can easily be mistaken for other illnesses. Healthcare workers need to be vigilant and ensure that patients are diagnosed correctly so that appropriate treatment can be administered.
Another concern is that CRS is resistant to some antifungal drugs. However, there are treatments available that involve using higher doses of antifungal drugs. The downside to this is that these drugs can have more side effects.
Unlike COVID-19, CRS is not as contagious. It is not airborne, and you cannot get it by talking to someone. You have to touch a surface or a mucous membrane to contract the infection. Healthcare workers can potentially spread the fungus from one patient to another if they do not wash their hands properly.
The medical director of infectious diseases at Rady Children’s Hospital, Doctor John Bradley, has reassured people that for most healthy individuals with a reasonable immune system, CRS is not a life-threatening pathogen. However, people who are immunocompromised should take extra precautions to prevent the infection.
In conclusion, the rapid spread of Candida auris across healthcare facilities in the United States is a cause for concern. Healthcare workers and facilities must take appropriate measures to prevent its spread and correctly diagnose and treat patients. While CRS is not as contagious as COVID-19, it can still be deadly for people who are immunocompromised. It is crucial that people are aware of the symptoms and take appropriate precautions to prevent infection.