Based on a CDC report, the superbug Candida auris is spreading, according to CNN.
Here's what you should know.
1. U.S.-based cases grew from seven to 122 in nine months.
2. The fungus causes severe illness with a high mortality rate.
3. Patients in intensive care units, those with central venous catheters or patients on antibiotics or antifungal medications are at high risk.
4. Sharon Tsay, MD, lead author and CDC epidemic intelligence office, said to CNN, "It seems to affect the sickest of the sick patients, particularly those in hospitals and nursing homes with other medical problems."
5. Seventy-seven hospital-based cases were reported in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts and Oklahoma. Forty-five people were infected after close contact with a C. auris-positive patient. Among the hospital cases, average patient age with 70-years-old. Fifty-five percent of patients were men.
6. None of the U.S.-based infections have been completely resistant to antifungals.
