Washington State Experiences First Outbreak of Deadly Fungus C. auris: Health Officials
In a concerning development, Washington state has reported its first known outbreak of the potentially deadly fungus, Candida auris, or C. auris. Public health officials have confirmed that four patients have tested positive for the fungus in the past month, raising concerns about the spread and source of the infection.
The first case was identified in a patient who had recently been admitted to Kindred Hospital Seattle. This case was discovered through a proactive screening program, highlighting the importance of early detection and surveillance. Subsequent screenings led to the discovery of two new cases and a case with links to Kindred, who had initially tested negative for C. auris upon admission.
Health officials are currently investigating the source of the infection, as it remains unclear how the patients contracted the fungus. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to identify the initial source and prevent further spread.
It is worth noting that a case of C. auris was previously identified in July in a patient who had been transferred to Kindred from St. Joseph’s Hospital in Pierce County. This case is believed to be the first locally acquired instance of C. auris in Washington state.
Public Health – Seattle & King County has been collaborating with Kindred Hospital for several months in anticipation of C. auris being detected in the state. Efforts to limit the spread of the fungus include isolating patients who test positive for C. auris from other patients and implementing specific disinfection protocols effective against the fungus.
The hospital is also actively notifying other facilities that received Kindred patients, advising them to screen for C. auris. This proactive approach aims to prevent further transmission and ensure the safety of patients in healthcare settings.
C. auris is a type of yeast that can cause severe illnesses and is highly transmissible among patients in healthcare facilities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe it as a relatively new fungus, first identified in Japan in 2009. However, subsequent studies have found samples of C. auris dating back to South Korea in 1996.
The fungus can spread through person-to-person transmission or contact with contaminated surfaces. While most healthy individuals do not need to worry about C. auris infections, those with weakened immune systems, compromised immunity, or elderly patients with medical devices are at higher risk.
Of particular concern is the presence of drug-resistant strains of C. auris, which do not respond to commonly used antifungal drugs. This poses a significant challenge for treatment, as infections caused by these strains are difficult to manage. However, there is a class of antifungal drugs called echinocandins that can be administered intravenously to combat C. auris. These drugs inhibit a key enzyme necessary for the fungus’s cell wall maintenance.
It is important to note that more than one in three patients with invasive C. auris infections, affecting the blood, heart, or brain, do not survive. This highlights the urgency of early detection, appropriate treatment, and effective infection control measures.
To prevent the spread of C. auris, the CDC recommends proper hand hygiene for family members and close contacts of infected patients. Healthcare personnel and laboratory staff should also adhere to strict hand hygiene practices and ensure thorough disinfection of patient rooms. Additionally, prompt reporting of cases to public health departments is crucial for effective surveillance and response.
As the investigation into Washington state’s outbreak continues, it is essential for healthcare facilities and individuals to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent further transmission of this potentially deadly fungus. Early detection, effective treatment, and robust infection control measures are vital in combating the spread of C. auris and protecting vulnerable populations from its severe consequences.