Texas Reports Highest Surge of Drug-resistant Fungus Cases

WHO:

Houston Chronicle - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is involved in monitoring Candida auris cases.

ABC News - Oliver Kurzai is the director of the National Reference Centre for Invasive Fungus Infections.

WHAT:

Houston Chronicle - Texas has reported more than 700 cases of Candida auris, leading the nation.

ABC News - As of July 18, there have been 3,130 cases of Candida auris identified in 23 states.

ABC News - Texas recorded 706 cases, followed by Michigan with 503 and Illinois with 366.

ABC News - The CDC states that the mortality rate of Candida auris is estimated to be between 30% and 60%.

ABC News - A CDC analysis found that more than 95% of Candida auris samples were resistant to fluconazole.

WHERE:

Houston Chronicle - Candida auris has been found in 23 states across the U.S.

ABC News - Texas is specifically mentioned as having the highest number of cases.

WHEN:

ABC News - The data regarding the 3,130 cases was reported as of July 18.

ABC News - Candida auris was first discovered in 1996 and formally identified in Japan in 2009.

WHY:

Houston Chronicle - The CDC indicates that Candida auris can be spread by patients regardless of symptoms, particularly in healthcare facilities.

ABC News - The CDC notes that patients with weakened immune systems or those who have had medical devices are at higher risk for infection.

HOW:

Houston Chronicle - Candida auris spreads through physical contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.

Houston Chronicle - The CDC recommends hand washing and disinfecting medical supplies to prevent the spread of Candida auris.

ABC News - The CDC advises careful use of antibiotics and antifungals to maintain the body's natural defenses against infections.

(UPDATED August 6, 2026 05:09 UTC)

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is actively monitoring cases of Candida auris, which has been reported in over 700 instances in Texas alone, making it the state with the highest number of cases in the nation. As of July 18, a total of 3,130 cases have been identified across 23 states, with Texas leading, followed by Michigan and Illinois. The CDC highlights that Candida auris can spread through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, and they recommend thorough hand washing and disinfecting medical supplies to help curb its transmission.