A drug-resistant fungus that can be deadly in health care settings has been confirmed in 23 states — and Texas has reported more cases than any other state.
The fungus, known as Candida auris, or C. auris, has continued spreading across the U.S. despite efforts to contain it, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Texas has reported more than 700 cases of Candida auris in 2026 as of mid-July, the highest number among states reporting infections.
First identified in the United States in 2016, Candida auris has raised concerns among health officials because some strains are resistant to the medications typically used to treat fungal infections.
What is Candida auris?
Candida auris is a type
of yeast that can cause serious infections, especially among people who are already sick or have weakened immune systems, according to the CDC.
For healthy people, the fungus may not cause severe illness. But in hospitals and other health care settings, it can spread quickly among vulnerable patients.
The fungus can survive on surfaces for long periods and spread through contact with contaminated equipment or surfaces. It can also enter the body through medical devices such as catheters, breathing tubes and intravenous lines.
Where does Candida auris come from?
Scientists are still studying where Candida auris originally came from. It was first identified in 2009 after being found in a patient’s ear canal in Japan, according to BBC, but researchers later found that different strains appeared around the world around the same time.
Unlike some infections that spread from animals to humans, there is no clear evidence that Candida auris came from animals. Researchers believe environmental changes, including warmer temperatures, may have helped the fungus adapt and survive at human body temperatures — though that theory is still being studied.
Why is Candida auris called a superbug?
Some strains of Candida auris are considered a superbug because they are resistant to multiple types of antifungal medications. That resistance can make infections much harder to treat.
Which states have the most Candida auris cases?
Texas has reported the most cases in 2026, followed by Michigan, which has reported more than 500 cases.
Nearly half of U.S. states have reported Candida auris cases to the CDC this year.
A review of cases from 2022 to 2024 found most infections occurred among adults older than 45. Many cases involved people receiving care in acute care facilities, such as hospitals.
How deadly is Candida auris?
The CDC estimates that 30% to 60% of people with Candida auris infections have died, though many of those patients also had other serious health conditions that increased their risk.
Health officials say preventing spread in health care settings remains one of the most important ways to limit infections.
Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the nation as the Weather Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network and contributes to Texas Connect coverage across the state. She can be reached at baddison@usatodayco.com. Follow her on Facebook here.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Deadly ‘superbug’ fungus spreads to 23 states as Texas reports most cases
