Deadly Superbug Candida Auris Spreads in Chicago Hospitals

A drug-resistant fungus called Candida auris has been causing deadly infections in Chicago, with over 240 cases reported so far this year. The fungus can cause severe bloodstream and wound infections, and experts say it’s highly resistant to antifungal drugs. This makes it difficult to treat, and patients infected with the fungus have a mortality rate of up to 60%.

The fungus was first identified in 2009 in Japan and has since spread to over 30 countries, including the United States. It tends to affect people who are already hospitalized or have weakened immune systems.

To combat the spread of the fungus, hospitals in Chicago are taking extra precautions, such as isolating infected patients and thoroughly disinfecting their rooms. Health officials are also urging the public to take measures to prevent infection, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding contact with others who are sick.

Experts warn that Candida auris is a serious threat, and more needs to be done to address it. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment for the fungus, and with the rise of drug-resistant infections, it’s becoming an urgent public health issue.