Deadly superbug is spreading across 28 US states: What you need to know about Candida auris

A health alert is out in the US where an antibiotic-resistant superbug is quickly spreading through the states. Known as Candida auris, it is a yeast or fungus that causes serious infections according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What are the areas the superbug is spreading in and what are its symptoms? All you need to know about Candida auris.

What is Candida Auris?

Candida auris, is a type of invasive yeast that can cause deadly infections in people with weakened immune systems. It was first discovered in 2009 in the ear canal of a patient in Japan and soon spread to many countries, including India, where it was identified as a major public health threat in 2014.




It has infected at least 7,000 people across 28 states, according to data from the CDC. The fungus can spread easily in healthcare settings such as hospitals and nursing homes and is gaining virulence and spreading at an "alarming" rate.

Additionally, it can last on surfaces and skin for months, surviving cleaning and disinfectants and can spread through medical equipment and person-to-person contact. “Each year, we have seen increases in our case counts which underscores the need for sustained vigilance,” the Alabama Department of Public Health told AL.com.

Some strains of the fungus are considered superbugs as they are resistant to all types of antibiotics, typically used to treat fungal infections. “If you get infected with this pathogen that’s resistant to any treatment, there’s no treatment we can give you to help combat it. You’re all on your own,” Melissa Nolan, an assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of South Carolina, told Nexstar.

Where is Candida Auris spreading?

As per the CDC, it is spreading in these states:

• Oregon
• California
• Nevada
• Montana
• Wyoming
• Colorado
• Utah
• Arizona
• Kansas
• Texas
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Wisconsin
• Illinois
• Michigan
• Indiana
• Ohio
• Kentucky
• Tennessee
• Mississippi
• Pennsylvania
• West Virginia
• Maryland
• Delaware
• Virginia
• Georgia
• North Carolina
• Alabama

What are the symptoms of infection?

A July 2025 study published in Cambridge University Press looked at patients with the fungus in Nevada and Florida. It found that more than half of patients required admission to the intensive care unit and more than one-third needed mechanical ventilation. Those with an average age between 60 and 64 also required a blood transfusion.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, symptoms depend on where the fungus infects the body and may include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Lethargy or extreme tiredness
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Low body temperature (hypothermia)
• Ear pain, pressure or a feeling of fullness

Be on the lookout for these symptoms and visit a doctor immediately if they persist.

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy New Year wishes, messages and quotes !