Rockland Officials Say Public 'Should Not Panic' Over Candida Auris

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Candida auris, the deadly and drug-resistant "superbug" reported in New York since 2017, is now moving faster than ever in health care facilities, according to a new government study.

However, while it is a serious issue which warrants attention, the public should not panic, Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert said Wednesday in a news release.

C. auris infection usually occurs in those who have had prolonged critical illness, a tube inserted in the body (e.g., catheter), a weak immune system, or prolonged antimicrobial use. Symptoms reportedly include chills and fevers, and oftentimes pain or pus in the ear. C. auris kills about one-third of people who contract it.

This type of fungus can persist on surfaces in healthcare environments and spread between patients in long-term care and in hospitals.

According to the state Department of Health, New York has had 1,454 clinical cases as of March 21. This group includes people who were sickened and had the fungus detected during their clinical care. There were 1,870 people who were not sickened by the fungus and were tested specifically for it as part of a public health investigation.

"I want to emphasize that this is not a threat to the general public," Dr. Ruppert said. "The New York State Department of Health is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to contain the spread of C. auris in hospitals and nursing homes. It is important to follow infection prevention and control measures such as handwashing and proper disinfection practices."

The CDC said the rapid rise in cases in recent years could be attributed to poor general infection prevention and control practices in healthcare facilities and enhanced efforts to detect cases. The timing of the increase also suggests C. auris spread may have worsened due to strain on healthcare and public health systems during the COVID-19 pandemic.