Michigan hospitals are witnessing a substantial surge in cases of Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungal infection which has been increasing nationwide. First identified in a state resident in 2021, Michigan has since confirmed over 2,200 cases leading health officials to provide guidelines to healthcare systems revolved around patient handling and infection prevention. The rise of Candida auris cases echoes a similar uptick across the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a significant increase from 764 cases in 2020 to 4,514 cases by 2023.
The yeast infection Candida auris, primarily found in healthcare facilities, can easily spread amongst sick patients. Its resistance to antifungal medications complicates treatment procedures and it is known to inhabit hospital surfaces for prolonged periods. Alarmingly, individuals can unknowingly carry and spread the infection without displaying any symptoms.
Primarily circulating in Detroit with 60% of the state’s total cases, the fungus has also reached 15 other counties including Bay, Calhoun, Gratiot, Genesee, Ingham, and more. Individuals with severe underlying health conditions receiving complex medical care such as feeding tubes and catheters are most susceptible to the infection. Despite an alarming mortality rate of over 30%, exact fatalities due to Candida auris remain unknown as the state lacks a specific code to attribute a death to the fungus, further complicating tracking efforts.
The pathogenic yeast’s capacity to last for weeks on surfaces and resist common disinfectants presents an elevated threat, especially since it can be transferred between healthcare facilities via patients. Fungus strains exhibit resistance to all three available treatments, earning Candida auris the CDC’s ‘urgent antimicrobial resistance threat’ label. In response, Michigan health authorities are enforcing surveillance measures and preventative actions across healthcare facilities, including facilitating webinars to guide staff in managing the infection.