Oregon Health Authority is investigating an outbreak of a serious fungal infection that is often resistant to treatment.
Candida auris has only recently appeared in the United States and there have never been any cases in Oregon, until now. The first case was detected at Salem Hospital on Dec. 11. It is believed the patient was exposed to the fungus while receiving health care in another country. The two other cases had epidemiological links to the first.
Dr. Dat Tran is medical director of the Healthcare-Associated Infections Program with OHA. He said the risk of Candida auris infection is highest in people with preexisting medical conditions. “Our goal here in Oregon is to prevent the spread of this fungus in health care settings, specifically in hospitals,” he said.
Tran explained Candida auris can cause serious bloodstream and wound infections and can colonize on a patient’s skin. He added anyone with high-risk exposure will be contacted by Salem Health.
Tran’s Healthcare-Associated Infections Program is leading the outbreak investigation, working with local public health authorities, local health care partners, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the regional public health laboratory to identify cases and ensure appropriate infection control measures are in place.
Candida auris is an emerging pathogen of concern because it can cause serious infections and can be resistant to the antifungal drugs we have to treat it. Tran says thankfully, the organism in this outbreak appears to respond to existing treatments. Still, it is critical that the spread of the fungus be prevented.
Read more about Candida auris from the CDC.
General Information about Candida auris | Candida auris | Fungal Diseases | CDC
