Candida auris, clinical

Wastewater surveillance tests community sewage to detect disease trends early, often before people show symptoms or visit a doctor.

Many respiratory viruses are on the rise. We are seeing a very large increase in flu activity, up 692%, and RSV is also up significantly by 76%. COVID-19 levels have risen 23%, and Candida auris, a drug resistant fungus, is up 26%. We also see smaller increases in Hepatitis A and HMPV.

It is good to see Norovirus, a common stomach bug, showing a slight decrease of 3% this week across the country.

With several respiratory viruses increasing, remember to stay home if you feel sick, wash your hands often, and consider speaking with your doctor if symptoms worsen.

Wastewater surveillance checks sewage for bits of viruses and bacteria, giving us an early heads up on community health trends days or weeks before people start feeling sick.

This week, we are seeing a notable increase in two illnesses: Hepatitis A is up by 66% and RSV, a common respiratory virus, has risen by 73%. These upticks mean we might see more cases of liver inflammation from Hepatitis A and more severe breathing issues, especially for young children and older adults, due to RSV in the coming weeks.

On the brighter side, several illnesses are declining this week. We are seeing less drug resistant Candida auris down 16%, the stomach bug Norovirus down 36%, and significant drops in respiratory viruses like Influenza A down 51%, COVID-19 down 11%, and HMPV down 4%. These decreases suggest a potential decrease in new infections for these conditions.

To stay healthy, continue good handwashing practices, and if you or a loved one develops severe breathing issues or jaundice, consider seeking medical advice.

Cases of a deadly, drug-resistant fungus are spreading across the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Candida auris, or C. auris, is a species of fungus that grows as a yeast and has been detected in more than half of U.S. states so far this year, according to CDC data. Approximately 3,437 clinically confirmed cases have been reported in 27 states as of the week ending July 25, which is still about 1,000 fewer cases than the same week last year. But the pa

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Many strains are resistant to major anti-fungal drugs, making treatment options extremely limited and concerning for experts

A recently discovered, deadly fungus is spreading across the U.S. -- and treatment options are limited.

The first case of Candida auris was reported in the U.S. in 2013, and cases have been steadily rising. Last year, there were 3,348 confirmed cases. The U.S. is already on track to beat that number: As of July 18, there were 3,130 confirmed cases, per the U.S. Centers fo

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With neighbouring Germany battling one of its largest Candida auris outbreaks, Luxembourg's health authorities say vigilance remains high even without national guidelines tailored to the pathogen.

Candida auris infections have skyrocketed across Europe, with cases rising from 804 to 1,346 between 2022 and 2023 alone. The pathogenic yeast - which carries an estimated mortality rate ranging from 29% and 62% - was first reported on EU territory in 2014 and has continued to spread ever since.

Neighbouring countries Germany, France, and Belgium reported 77, 10 and six cases respectively in 2023, and just this week, Tagesspiegel reported Germany's second-biggest outbreak at Berlin's Charité hospital and German media are warning of its dangers.

Despite increasing infection numbers, the Europea...
Read More: https://today.rtl.lu/news/luxembourg/a/2338068.html

Greece ranks second in the EU in the number of patients infected with the Candida auris fungus, an infection that can cause serious illness and spread rapidly in hospitals or long-term care facilities, according to a new report by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), released on Thursday.

During an ECDC team visit to Greece in April 2024, it was found that the fungus had spread throughout the healthcare system.

Candida auris is often resistant to antifungal drugs and affects severely ill patients. According to the report, Greece has recorded 852 cases in the last decade, ranking second in Europe behind only Spain.

Diamantis Plachouras, deputy head of the ECDC's Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare-Associated Infections Unit, says that it is scientifically do...
Read More: https://www.ekathimerini.com/in-depth/society-in-depth/1280557/greece-second-in-eu-for-fungus-infections/

A group of scientists has raised the alarm about a drug-resistant strain of a common fungus, labelling it a 'global health threat'. Candida auris (C. Auris) is a yeast that can cause severe illness and is easily transmitted among critically ill patients in healthcare settings. The severity of the infection can range from a mild skin condition to life-threatening complications such as bloodstream infections. Alarmingly, C. Auris often exhibits resistance to antifungal medications, which means the fungus can overcome the drugs intended to eliminate it. This resistance can render medical treatments ineffective. Each year, nearly 6.5 million people globally are affected by fungal infections, reports Surrey Live. The challenge in treating these infections can lead to a mortality rate exceeding ...
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Scientists are warning that a dangerous, drug-resistant fungus already entrenched in U.S. hospitals is becoming more formidable across the globe, even as new research points to possible breakthroughs in treatment. Candida auris, commonly referred to as C. auris, has expanded rapidly worldwide and i... Source: matzav.com - Read Full Article