Candida auris is an emerging, multidrug-resistant yeast that causes invasive infections and can be transmitted in healthcare settings. Infections with this yeast can be difficult to treat.
Candida auris only recently appeared in the United States, and public health officials are researching more about how it is spread.
Candida auris became reportable in the State of Texas on Jan. 5.
Recently, two Collin County area healthcare facilities have seen cases of drug-resistant variants of Candida auris resulting in four deaths.
| | Cases | Fatalities |
| Pan-Resistant | 2 | 1 |
| Echinocandin Resistant | 7
| 3 |
| Total | 9 | 4
|
The first reported case of a drug-resistant Candida auris was received on January 25, 2021. Multiple health advisories were sent to hospitals and healthcare facilities in early 2021 as cases were identified. The general public is not typically at risk of contracting Candida auris outside of a hospital or health care setting.
Collin County Health Care Services (CCHCS) is working with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to control the spread of Candida auris. We are following the recommendations outlined in the CDC's tiered response plan for novel organisms.
- Promptly notifying facilities of positive results
- Providing guidance to facilities
- Reviewing facilities infection control procedures to identify any gaps
- Conducting laboratory surveillance to identify new cases
Properly following basic infection control practices -- hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) and precautions, and use of proper disinfectants -- will prevent the spread of Candida auris within a facility.
For additional information regarding Candida auris, please visit the CDC website.
