United States: A fungus-linked outbreak has been reported by the local health authorities of Washington state. The health authorities have underscored that the fungus C. Auris has led to an outbreak – which is the first of its kind.
The concern is high among the health authorities because the infection could become severe with time and could even lead to death. While providing a brief about the infection, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) mentioned that the C. Auris fungus is a serious infection and could show medication resistance treatment.
According to the local health authorities of Public Health Seattle & King County, the first four cases of measles were linked with Kindred Hospital on First Hill in Seattle. The reports have also highlighted that they have been conducting tests and screening against the infection for all incoming patients after the patient tested positive after being admitted on January 10.
The Health Authorities have further outlined that following continuous screening, two more patients tested positive for C. Auris on January 22; however, both the patients earlier tested negative. This was followed by the fourth case, which was reported by the health department on January 26.
How infection could spread from an infected person to a healthy person?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the C. Auris fungus could spread from an infected person to a healthy person in medical institutions, such as hospitals and nursing homes.
Furthermore, the fungus could result in an on-ear wound, urinary tract infections, and bloodstream infections. However, health officials have underlined that the fungus will not be a threat to healthy people.
A medical epidemiologist with Public Health Seattle & King County, Meagan Kay, stated, “But, patients who have a lot of underlying conditions and medical devices are acquiring infection, especially healthcare settings,” according to komonews.com.
The CDC has underlined that a patient could travel with C. Auris fungus without actually knowing it, as it does not make them sick. This is called “colonization,” according to CDC.
In this regard, Kay underlined, “The concern is when you get colonized, you are at higher risk for acquiring an infection. That can lead to serious infection and death at least 30% of the time.”
C. Auris and its roots in the United States!
The first-ever case of the fungal infection was detected in the United States in 2016. Meanwhile, between 2019 and 2022, the cases increased at an immeasurable speed – the cases reached up to 2,300 from just 200 or less.

In addition to this, the Washington state reported its first-ever case was confirmed in July 2023 and a patient who was admitted to Kindred First Hill. The patient tested positive after spending several days in a local hospital in Tacoma.
What are the possible symptoms of C. Auris?
According to the details shared by the health officials, a C. Auris infected person does not show any specific symptom; however, in a few cases, the following symptoms could be shown by the infected individual:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Hypothermia
- Low Blood Pressure
- High Heart Rate
- Ear Pressure or Pain
Health officials have mentioned that the primary method to stop the spread of the fungus is ‘early identification,’ which can also help in developing prevention strategies by the health care facilities.