CDC Expresses Concerns Over a Rapidly Spreading Fungus
Luzerne Co. — The Candida Auris fungus was originally detected in Japan back in 2016 but now, cases of the fungus are spreading throughout the United States. According to the CDC, it's been detected in more than half of the United States.
Candida Auris is an emerging fungus that according to the CDC is a potential global threat. The fungus is often multidrug resistant, is difficult to identify using standard laboratory methods and has caused outbreaks in healthcare settings.
Doctor Luther V. Rhodes and infectious disease specialist at the Lehigh Valley Health Network tell us that catching and monitoring the spread of the fungus is a step for prevention.
“It is important that we recognize it early and recognize the control mechanisms. Physicians are learning with this new information about the best antifungal antibiotic and making sure we don't continue to increase", Rhodes said.
Officials say that this fungus is not airborne however, it is spread by skin to skin contact or touching a surface contaminated with the fungus.
Despite the CDC voicing concerns about the spreading fungus, officials say there should not be a mass panic.
Meggan Williams, a Swoyersville resident, while is concerned, plans to continue to frequently wash our hands and clean surfaces to avoid infection.
“ I don’t think that going crazy and jumping to conclusions is going to solve the problem” Williams shared.
For those who are relatively healthy basic cleaning of the hands and surfaces can eliminate the fungus and protect oneself from infecting others
“The message that it is widespread does not mean it is highly contagious, it is a potential threat for a small but important number of patients", Rhodes added.
