Outbreak of Multi-Drug Resistant Fungal Infection Raises Concern in Washington State
An outbreak of a multi-drug resistant fungal infection in Washington state has raised concerns among health experts due to its high mortality rate, drug resistance, and ability to easily spread in healthcare facilities. The Seattle and King County public health department announced on Tuesday that they had identified three confirmed cases of Candida auris infection, a rare and severe fungal infection. This comes after an initial case was confirmed on January 10.
Candida auris is a type of fungus that grows as yeast and is typically resistant to antifungal medications, making it difficult to treat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can cause severe illness and easily spread in healthcare settings. All four infected individuals were patients at Kindred Hospital Seattle, with the first case being detected through a proactive screening program during admission to the hospital.
Initially, the other three patients tested negative for the fungus upon admission, but subsequent testing revealed that they were indeed infected during their stay at the hospital. Local officials are still investigating the source of the outbreak but are working closely with Kindred Hospital to prevent further transmission. Infected patients are being isolated, and facilities that admit patients who were previously at Kindred are being notified.
The CDC issued a warning in May 2023 about an increase in Candida auris cases spreading in healthcare facilities, labeling it an “urgent antimicrobial resistant threat.” This highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate action to contain the outbreak.
The number of Candida auris infections reported in the U.S. in 2022 was 2,377, according to the CDC. Additionally, 5,754 individuals were found to have Candida auris somewhere on their body without being sick or having an active infection. These numbers emphasize the prevalence of this fungal infection and the importance of addressing it effectively.
Candida auris was first identified in Japan in 2009 and cases have been reported in the U.S. since 2013. The infection has been steadily increasing each year and has been found in 36 states as of 2022. During the Covid pandemic between 2020 and 2021, there was a significant 94% increase in cases. The majority of infections occurred in five states: New York, Illinois, New Jersey, California, and Florida.
One of the reasons Candida auris spreads so quickly is due to misdiagnosis and improper treatment. It is often mistaken for a different fungus, leading to delayed or ineffective treatment. Furthermore, the infection can survive on surfaces for at least two weeks, making healthcare facilities susceptible to outbreaks. In comparison, the coronavirus can survive on surfaces for up to three days.
Candida auris can cause severe infection and hospitalization, particularly in patients with serious medical conditions. The CDC reports that one in three people with an invasive Candida auris infection die. The fungus can infect various parts of the body, including open wounds, lungs, and the bloodstream.
Symptoms of Candida auris infection are similar to other fungal infections and may include fever, chills, soreness, rashes, low blood pressure, muscle aches, shortness of breath, coughing, joint pain, pain while eating, fatigue, headache, or discolored and brittle nails.
In conclusion, the outbreak of a multi-drug resistant fungal infection in Washington state has raised concerns among health experts due to its severity and potential for rapid spread. Immediate measures are being taken to contain the outbreak and prevent further transmission. The prevalence of Candida auris infections across the U.S. highlights the need for increased awareness and effective strategies to combat this antimicrobial resistant threat.
