A drug-resistant fungus dubbed a "superbug" is confirmed in 23 states, including Ohio, where hundreds of cases have been reported this year.
Candida auris, commonly called C. auris, is a drug-resistant yeast that can cause serious infections, particularly in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare settings, according to the Ohio Department of Health.
Through July 18, the CDC received reports of 3,130 screening cases nationwide in 2026, according to the agency's National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.
How common is Candida auris 'superbug'? Latest CDC numbers
According to the CDC, the U.S. continues to see substantial C. auris activity, particularly in healthcare settings.
However, the risk to the general public remains low, but patients with serious medical conditions or invasive devices
(breathing tubes, feeding tubes, catheters) are at greatest risk, the agency warns.
Nationally, 3,130 screening cases had been reported through July 18, compared with 3,348 during the same period in 2025. The CDC also reported 60 new screening cases during Week 28 (July 6-12) alone.
How widespread is 'superbug' in Ohio?
This year, Ohio has reported 271 cases of C. auris, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Cuyahoga and Hamilton counties reported the highest totals, with 56 and 33 cases, respectively. Franklin County reported 21 cases.
CDC data shows Ohio recorded 17 new screening cases during Week 28. The agency reported 217 cumulative screening cases through July 18, compared with 242 during the same period in 2025.
The figures from each of the agencies come from different surveillance datasets and are not directly comparable.
What are the symptoms of a Candida auris infection?
The Ohio Department of Health says there are no symptoms unique to C. auris infections.
Instead, it depends on where the infection occurs (wound, bloodstream, etc.), and its severity. Some infections could result in symptoms similar to other diseases, such as fever or chills.
Healthy people generally are not at risk. Those most vulnerable include patients with serious underlying medical conditions and those who rely on medical devices such as breathing tubes, feeding tubes, catheters and IV lines.
How Candida auris spreads
C. auris can spread in healthcare settings through contact with contaminated surfaces, equipment or other people. Both infected patients and people carrying the fungus without symptoms can spread it, ODH notes.
The fungus can survive on surfaces for extended periods, making outbreaks difficult to control once it becomes established in a healthcare facility.
Why this 'superbug' can be difficult to treat
While many strains of C. auris are resistant to multiple antifungal medications, most infections can be treated with a class of drugs known as echinocandins.
However, some strains are resistant to those medications as well, making treatment more of a challenge.
ODH encourages healthcare facilities to quickly identify and report cases to limit further spread.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 'Superbug' fungus is surging in Ohio, US. Spread, symptoms
