What does the rapid spread of a dangerous, drug-resistant, and potentially lethal fungus in the United States mean for the Chicago area, and should residents be concerned? Through the end of 2022, Illinois had the highest number of reports, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Additionally, joining Illinois is only five other states that report having between 100 and 500 cases. This comes after CDC researchers discovered an increase in cases across the United States.
What Is Candida Fungus?
Candidiasis is an infection caused by the yeast Candida which is a type of fungus. Candida lives on the skin and inside the body, in places like the mouth, throat, intestine, and vagina. If the environment inside the mouth, throat, or esophagus changes in a way that encourages fungal growth, Candida can multiply and cause an infection.
Candida auris is a type of yeast that is usually harmless to healthy people but can be fatal to hospital and nursing home patients. It is easily transmitted and can infect wounds, ears, and the bloodstream. Some strains are so-called superbugs because they are resistant to all three antibiotic classes used to treat fungal infections.
The Effect Of This in Illinois
Illinois has the third-highest number of Candida auris cases, so health officials are working hard to keep residents safe.
According to the CDC, the number of cases in the United States nearly doubled in 2021, rising from 756 to 1,471. Candida auris does not affect healthy people, but those with weakened immune systems. It also affects those who use medical devices such as ventilators or catheters may become seriously ill or die.
The majority of cases tested were resistant to antifungal therapy. As a result, the CDC has declared this potentially lethal fungus an “urgent antimicrobial resistance threat.” Many patients are in hospitals or nursing homes. According to the CDC, it can spread through “contact with affected patients and contaminated surfaces or equipment.” One in every three patients with invasive infections dies, but it can be difficult to determine the exact role Candida auris played in vulnerable patients. According to the report’s lead author, CDC epidemiologist Dr Meghan Lyman.
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To add,during the unrelated Facebook Live on Tuesday, Chicago’s top doctor said the news, calling it a “real concern” but stated that Illinois has better preparation than others.
“The good news is that, while there has been a lot of focus on Candida Auris. It’s a real concern – we are known here in Chicago, in Illinois, as being one of the places that detected it early, [and] has put a lot of resources into controlling it. Even during COVID, they have managed to keep it under reasonably good control from a spread standpoint,” stated Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady.
Candida Fungus Top Symptoms
Candidiasis of the mouth and throat can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- White patches appear on the inside of the cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, and throat.
- Soreness or redness.
- Cottony sensation in the mouth.
- Taste deterioration.
- Eating or swallowing pain.
- Cracking and redness around the mouth corners.
- Candida in the esophagus usually causes pain when swallowing and difficulty swallowing.
If you have symptoms that you believe are caused by candidiasis in the mouth, throat, or esophagus, consult your doctor.
Most Common Treatment for Candida
Antifungal medication is usually used to treat candidiasis in the mouth, throat, or esophagus. Therefore, for mild to moderate infections of the mouth or throat, an antifungal medication is usually applied to the inside of the mouth for 7 to 14 days. Clotrimazole, miconazole, and nystatin are examples of these types of medications.
Additionally, the common treatment for severe infections is fluconazole (an antifungal medication) orally or intravenously. If the patient does not improve after taking fluconazole, the doctor will prescribe a different antifungal. Fluconazole is typically used to treat candidiasis in the esophagus. Other prescription antifungal medications can be used for people who cannot take fluconazole or who do not improve after taking fluconazole.
Lastly, to prevent getting Candida to follow procedures and have good hygiene to stay safe and to keep the country safe.
By Kelianexis Rodriguez
Sources
NBC CHICAGO: As Dangerous Fungus Spreads at Alarming Rate, Where Do Things Stand in Illinois? Top Doc Explains
BBC: Candida auris fungal infections spreading in US at ‘alarming’ rate, says CDC
CDC GOV: Candida infections of the mouth, throat, and esophagus
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Atlas of Pulmonary Pathology Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of UMHealthSystem Creative Commons License
