A dangerous, drug-resistant fungus is spreading across the United States, and Iowa is among the 27 states now reporting cases of Candida auris. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has tracked more than 3,400 clinical cases nationwide so far this year, with the pathogen posing a serious threat to vulnerable patients in hospitals and nursing homes.
While healthy Iowans face little risk, the fungus can cause life-threatening bloodstream infections in those with weakened immune systems, invasive medical devices, or underlying health conditions. The CDC considers Candida auris an urgent public health threat because it resists multiple antifungal drugs and spreads easily in healthcare settings.
What Is Candida Auris?
Candida auris is a yeast first identified in 2009 that has alarmed public health officials for its ability to resist standard treatments. It can survive on bed rails, medical equipment, and other surfaces for weeks, making it difficult to contain in facilities caring for fragile patients.
The fungus can cause skin and wound infections, but the most serious cases involve invasive bloodstream infections that can be fatal. The CDC has worked with hospitals and long-term care facilities across the country to limit transmission, but cases continue to rise.
How Many Cases Have Been Reported in Iowa?
Iowa is listed among the 27 states with confirmed Candida auris cases this year. The CDC's National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System shows more than 3,400 clinical cases nationwide through July 25. While the exact number of Iowa cases is not broken out in the latest data, the state's inclusion on the list signals that healthcare facilities here are not immune to the outbreak.
California leads the nation with 873 cases so far this year, followed by Texas with 433. Other Midwestern states reporting cases include Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Experts stress that Candida auris poses little danger to healthy people. The primary risk is to patients already seriously ill, those with weakened immune systems, or individuals requiring complex medical care. People with ventilators, feeding tubes, catheters, or other invasive devices are particularly vulnerable because the fungus can enter the body through those devices.
Many people who carry Candida auris never develop symptoms but can still spread it to others, which is why outbreaks in hospitals and nursing homes are so difficult to control. The fungus can persist on surfaces for extended periods if strict cleaning protocols are not followed.
What Can Iowans Do?
For the general public, the risk remains low. However, families with loved ones in hospitals or long-term care facilities should be aware of the threat and ask about infection control measures. The CDC recommends that healthcare facilities implement rigorous cleaning protocols, screen high-risk patients, and isolate those who test positive for the fungus.
Iowa's inclusion in the outbreak map underscores the need for continued vigilance in healthcare settings. As the fungus expands its geographic footprint, state health officials and local hospitals are working to stay ahead of the threat.
The CDC has reported a steady rise in Candida auris cases over the past decade, from just a handful of cases in 2013 to more than 6,300 clinical cases in 2024. So far this year, 3,437 cases have been reported across 27 states.
FAQ: What You Need to Know About Candida Auris
Can healthy people get Candida auris?
Healthy people generally face a low risk of infection. The fungus primarily affects patients in healthcare settings who are already seriously ill or have weakened immune systems.
How is Candida auris spread?
The fungus spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces, medical equipment, or infected patients. It can survive on surfaces for weeks, making strict cleaning protocols essential.
Is Candida auris treatable?
Some strains are resistant to multiple antifungal drugs, making infections difficult to treat. However, not all strains are fully resistant, and treatment options exist depending on the specific case.
What should I do if a family member is in a hospital or nursing home?
Ask about the facility's infection control measures. Families should feel empowered to inquire about screening protocols and cleaning practices, especially if a loved one has a weakened immune system or uses invasive medical devices.