Deadly Superbug Candida Auris Reaches California

CALIFORNIA — A deadly, drug-resistant infection first discovered in the U.S. in 2013 has reached California. Candida auris is a fungus that targets people with weak immune systems. About half of those who contract the infection die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Two people have been diagnosed with C. auris in California, according to the CDC. There have been 587 cases across the country, including 309 in New York.

The infection was first discovered in Japan in 2009.

"Candida auris is an emerging fungus that presents a serious global health threat," the CDC says. "Patients can remain ... with C. auris for a long time and C. auris can persist on surfaces in healthcare environments. This can result in spread of C. auris between patients in healthcare facilities."

The CDC said it's concerned about the infection because it's difficult to identify, resistant to multiple drugs and can easily spread in hospitals.

C. auris is a form of yeast, though its origin is unknown.

"It is a creature from the black lagoon," Dr. Tom Chiller, of the CDC, told The New York Times. "It bubbled up and now it is everywhere."

The infection has been detected in Canada, England, Russia, Australia and Colombia.

Candida auris cases in the U.S. since 2013

— Patch editors Jason Claffey and Bea Karnes contributed to this story

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