A statement from UK says the affected patients are all isolated to one floor of UK Chandler Hospital and none are showing symptoms of active infections. Instead, the fungus is on their skin. Once the outbreak was identified, healthcare workers began isolation and disinfection procedures to prevent further transmission.
The CDC describes Candida auris as an emerging pathogenic yeast that can cause invasive infections including bloodstream, respiratory tract, wound, and urinary tract infections. Individuals can carry the fungus on their skin and may be asymptomatic. Often those who get it are already admitted to a health care facility with another serious illness or condition.
UK’s comments so far have been limited to a written statement. In it, the medical center says it is “steadfast in the surveillance and identification of infections” and has a dedicated team that monitors infections with an eye toward any that could become public health threats.
