1/6/2026 Public Health Education Topic: C. Auris

Per CDC:

Key points

• Candida auris (C. auris) is a type of yeast that can cause severe illness and spread easily among very sick patients in healthcare facilities.

• Symptoms depend on the site of infection (i.e., bloodstream, wound, ears).

• C. auris is often resistant to antifungal medications.

• Learn about risks, spread, and prevention.

Symptoms

C. auris can cause infection in different parts of the body like the blood, wounds, and ears. Symptoms of a C. auris infection depend on the location and severity of infection. Symptoms may be similar to symptoms of infections caused by bacteria like fever or chills. There is not a common set of symptoms specific for C. auris infections.

C. auris in or on the body without symptoms

Patients can have C. auris on their skin and other body area without having symptoms. Healthcare providers refer to this as 'colonization.' People who are colonized can spread C. auris onto to surfaces and objects around them and to other patients.

Risk factors

C. auris mostly affects patients with severe underlying medical conditions and those requiring complex medical care and invasive medical devices. Invasive medical devices are often necessary but create pathways for C. auris to get into the body. Examples include:

• Breathing tubes

• Feeding tubes

• Catheters in a vein

• Urinary catheters

Prevention

Healthcare providers take special steps to prevent the spread of C. auris while infected or colonized patients are in healthcare facilities. Patients should inform healthcare providers about their previous infection or screening results before receiving healthcare after discharge.

To learn more visit: About C. auris | Candida auris (C. auris) | CDC