CDC alerts health care facilities to emerging multidrug-resistant yeast

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention today alerted health care facilities to an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast associated with high mortality and at least two outbreaks in health care facilities in other countries. U.S. health care facilities that suspect they have a patient with the Candida auris infection should contact state or local public health authorities and email CDC at candidaauris@cdc.gov, the agency said. CDC is working with domestic and international partners to develop definitive infection control guidance. Until more information is available, CDC said health care facilities should place patients with C. auris colonization or infection in single rooms, and ensure thorough daily and terminal cleaning and disinfection of these patients’ rooms using an Environmental Protection Agency-registered hospital grade disinfectant with a fungal claim. Health care personnel also should use standard and contact precautions, and consult with state or local health authorities and CDC about the need for additional interventions to prevent transmission, the agency said.