The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have announced that healthcare facilities in 29 states, including Florida, have reported that a type of yeast called Candida auris (C. auris) which has been causing severe illness or death in hospitalized patients.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently tracking the emerging fungus that presents a serious global health threat.
According to the CDC, people who have recently spent time in nursing homes and have lines and tubes that go into their body (breathing tubes, feeding tubes and central venous catheters) seem to be at highest risk for infection.
Nevada has reported the most cases, at 384. California has reported 359 cases. Florida has the third most cases, with 349 reported.
The fungus is spread in healthcare settings through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment, or from person to person.
The CDC said it needs to continue to research the fungus to learn more about how it spreads.
