What Is C. auris?
Candida auris (C. auris) is a type of fungus (also called a yeast) that can cause severe illness and spreads easily among patients in healthcare facilities. C. auris can cause a range of infections from superficial (skin) infections to more severe, life-threatening infections, such as bloodstream infections. C. auris mostly affects hospitalized patients requiring complex medical care including patients with invasive medical devices like breathing or feeding tubes, or catheters.
Patients can become colonized with C. auris, meaning they have it in or on their body but have no symptoms. While healthy people may become colonized with C. auris, they are less likely to develop an infection. Additional information can be found on the Candida auris FAQ webpage.
Transmission
C. auris can spread quickly from person to person in healthcare facilities. It can spread from:
- Healthcare workers' hands
- Healthcare equipment
- Surfaces that are not cleaned properly
It is resistant to some of the common disinfectants used in healthcare facilities and requires special cleaning products.
Outbreak Settings
In the United States, C. auris outbreaks most commonly occur in healthcare facilities where patients receive high-acuity care, such as:
- Hospitals
- Long-term acute care hospitals (LTACH)
- Ventilator capable skilled nursing facilities (vSNF)
Testing for Candida auris
DOH can perform testing for C. auris in people with risk factors. Screening testing may also be available at commercial labs. If you have questions about C. auris, please contact your local health jurisdiction.
Resources
For the public
For Healthcare Facilities, Providers, and Public Health