Washington State Faces First Outbreak of C. Auris Fungus: Health Care Providers on High Alert
In a concerning development, health care providers in Washington state are grappling with the first known outbreak of the C. auris fungus, a highly dangerous pathogen that can lead to severe infections and even death. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has classified C. auris as a fungus that is resistant to treatment medications, making it particularly challenging to combat.
The outbreak has been confirmed in four patients who have been linked to Kindred Hospital, located on First Hill in Seattle, according to Public Health Seattle & King County. The facility has implemented routine screenings for this fungus among all incoming patients, and it was during one such screening that a patient admitted on January 10 tested positive for C. auris. Subsequently, two more patients tested positive on January 22, despite having tested negative previously. The health department was then notified of a fourth case on January 26.
The CDC has warned that C. auris can spread from person to person within hospitals and nursing homes, posing a significant risk to vulnerable individuals. Infections caused by this fungus can manifest in various forms, including wound, ear, urinary tract, and bloodstream infections. However, it is important to note that C. auris does not pose a threat to healthy individuals.
Meagan Kay, a medical epidemiologist with Public Health Seattle & King County, emphasized that patients with underlying conditions and medical devices are at a higher risk of acquiring C. auris infections, particularly within healthcare settings. Patients can unknowingly carry the fungus on their bodies without experiencing any symptoms, a condition referred to as “colonization” by the CDC. However, colonization significantly increases the risk of developing serious infections, which can be fatal in approximately 30% of cases.
C. auris first made its way to the United States in 2016, and since then, the number of reported cases has risen dramatically. From less than 200 cases in 2019, the count has surged to over 2,300 by 2022. Washington state recorded its first confirmed case in July 2023 when a patient, who had previously spent time in a hospital in Tacoma, was admitted to Kindred First Hill.
Given the persistent nature of this fungus and its high transmissibility, eliminating C. auris from healthcare settings is an arduous task. Meagan Kay expressed her skepticism, stating that it is nearly impossible to eradicate the organism completely. C. auris can survive on surfaces for weeks, making it particularly challenging to control its spread within healthcare facilities.
To address this issue, the Washington State Department of Health has implemented the Partners for Patient Safety Program, a proactive screening initiative. This program ensures that all patients admitted to Kindred Hospital undergo thorough screenings upon admission to detect any cases of C. auris early on and prevent its spread. The identification of C. auris in a healthcare facility prompts staff to take extra precautions, including rigorous cleaning protocols and close monitoring of patients and staff to prevent inadvertent transmission.
Health officials stress the importance of early identification in controlling the spread of C. auris and developing effective prevention strategies. Notably, individuals infected with C. auris often do not exhibit any symptoms initially. However, if symptoms do arise, they may include fever, chills, hypothermia, low blood pressure, high heart rate, fatigue, and ear pressure or pain.
As Washington state grapples with its first outbreak of C. auris, health care providers are on high alert. The collaborative efforts between healthcare facilities and public health departments are crucial in containing the spread of this dangerous fungus and protecting vulnerable patients from its potentially devastating consequences.
