Federal officials are raising the alarm about a drug-resistant fungus or yeast spreading in Michigan and nationwide.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 503 cases of Candida auris in Michigan in 2026, as of the week ending in July 18. Texas was the only state to report more cases than Michigan this year — 706, according to the federal health data.
CDC data also showed an increase in Candida auris cases nationwide — from 2,882 in 2022 to 4,428 in 2023 and 6,197 in 2024, according to a July 2 report. Reported cases have since declined, with the CDC reporting 3,348 cases nationally in 2025 and 3,130 so far in 2026, according to the week of July 18 report.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which lists overall
case totals since 2021, reported 3,056 cases in the state, as of Aug. 3.
The drug-resistant fungus, a type of yeast, typically spreads among sick patients in health care settings and can cause illnesses ranging from minor infections to severe, life-threatening infections, according to the CDC. While certain antifungal medications are the go-to treatment, the yeast's drug-resistance sometimes requires a more creative approach, like mixing medications or opting for a pre-approved medicine.
Here's what to know about the drug-resistant fungus.
Is the drug-resistant fungus in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan has reported 3,056 cases of Candida auris over the past five years, as of Aug. 3, according to data from MDHHS. This includes 774 clinical cases and 2,282 screening cases.
The state health department reports cumulative case totals since 2021 and does not break down case numbers on a year-by-year basis.
In 2026, Michigan has reported 503 cases as of the week ending in July 18, according to CDC data; making Michigan the state with the second-highest case total so far this year, behind Texas at 706 cases, the federal data shows.
What is Candida auris?
Candida auris is a fungus, a newly evolved form of yeast in the Candida family, and is often resistant to antifungal medications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Detroit Free Press.
The fungus can easily spread among sick patients in healthcare facilities and can cause infections in various parts of the body, including blood, wounds and ears, and range from minor skin infections to potentially fatal blood infections, the CDC said. Symptoms can include fever and chills and vary by infection type.
Candida auris was first identified in Asia in 2009 and its first U.S. case was identified in 2013, the CDC said.
Who is at risk?
Those most at risk for Candida auris include patients that have severe underlying medical conditions and patients whose treatment involves complex medical care and invasive medical devices, the CDC said. Such devices can include breathing tubes, feeding tubes, catheters in a vein and urinary catheters.
How is Candida auris treated?
Antifungal medicine in the echinocandins group are the main treatment for Candida auris, the CDC said. However, the fungus' drug-resistance can complicate treatment, and healthcare professionals may opt for several antifungal medications or a pre-approved antifungal medicine for strains of Candida auris that are resistant to standard antifungal medicines.
Detroit Free Press contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Drug-resistant fungus is spreading. How many cases have been reported?
