Deadly Drug-Resistant Fungus “Candida Auris” Spreads Across U.S. Hospitals in 2025

Hospitals and healthcare facilities across the United States are facing an escalating challenge with the rapid spread of a deadly, drug-resistant fungus known as Candida auris. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 7,000 people were infected in 2025 alone.

Health authorities report that the fungus, first detected in the U.S. in 2016, can survive on surfaces for extended periods, facilitating its transmission within medical facilities through catheters, breathing tubes, and IV solutions—particularly among patients with critical health conditions, according to The Hill.

Deadly “Superbug” Candida Auris Threatens U.S. Hospitals

Some strains of Candida auris are classified as “superbugs” due to their resistance to all currently available antifungal medications, making them extremely difficult to control. While healthy individuals may resist infection, the fungus poses a severe threat in hospitals, where the most vulnerable patients are concentrated.

Epidemiologists warn that infection with a fully resistant strain could leave patients with no effective treatment options, significantly increasing the risk of death.

Recent data indicate that over half of U.S. states reported clinical cases of the fungus this year, with annual infections approaching last year’s record of over 7,500 cases, even as 2025 comes to a close. Scientists suggest that climate change may be a contributing factor, as rising temperatures allow fungi to adapt to human body heat, enhancing survival and transmission within the body.

CDC estimates from previous studies indicate that 30–60% of Candida auris patients have died, most of whom had preexisting serious health conditions. A recent study also found that over half of patients required intensive care, with many needing respiratory support or blood transfusions, particularly among older adults.