Ukhsa warns easily spread fungus posing 'significant' health risk

Health chiefs have issued an alert about a potentially deadly fungus which poses "significant risks to human health". Candidozyma auris is a recently discovered fungus which is

gaining attention from healthcare professionals and public health authorities worldwide, warns the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). It says while fungi are all around us, some species pose

significant threats to human health - and this includes Candidozyma auris (C. auris) - formerly known as Candida auris. It warns: "They can spread silently, thrive in hospitals, resist

multiple treatments, and survive on surfaces for weeks." The fungus was first found in 2009 in the ear of a Japanese patient. It has since gone on to be discovered in more than 40

countries over six continents. The UKHSA posted its warning via X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday. It said: "C. auris is a recently discovered fungus. A fungus is a type of

microorganism, some of which can make you ill. "It rarely causes infections in healthy individuals though can pose a risk to people in hospital, particularly those who have been in

hospital for a long time, who are critically unwell and/or who have weakened immune systems. It added: "What makes C. auris particularly concerning is its remarkable resilience – it can

survive on surfaces for long periods of time, including in the hospital environment, and is often resistant to first-line medical treatments and disinfectants." While not as widespread

in England as in some other countries, the UKHSA says the fungus has caused outbreaks in several healthcare settings in the country. So far under 700 cases have been detected. The UKHSA is

currently monitoring cases and working in partnership with the NHS and other organisations to limit its spread. It is also working to identify appropriate treatments. It added: "C.

auris represents a growing global health concern, particularly in healthcare settings where it can spread rapidly and resist treatment and some disinfectants. While not yet widespread in

England, it is important that we remain aware that C. auris may spread in hospital environments. "Through effective infection prevention and control measures, rigorous hygiene

practices, ongoing monitoring and continued research, its spread can be minimised." HOW IS C. AURIS SPREAD? According to the UKHSA C. auris is usually spread through contact with

contaminated surfaces or medical equipment, or via direct contact with someone with it. It explains: "People can carry the fungus on their skin without developing an infection (called

colonisation). "However, someone who has C. auris on their skin may become infected if it enters their body, for example through a wound, or if they have had an invasive medical device

inserted, for example a catheter or drip. It can be spread between people in healthcare settings." It said the fungus has been identified on numerous hospital items including bedside

equipment, radiators, windowsills and sinks. It has also been discovered on medical equipment such as temperature probes, blood pressure cuffs and stethoscopes. WHO IS AT RISK C. auris

primarily affects people in healthcare settings including those with a weakened immune system, says the UKHSA. This is especially: * patients who received healthcare abroad in the last year,

including repatriations or international patient transfer to UK hospitals for medical care, especially from countries with ongoing outbreaks * patients with prolonged hospital stays * those

with medical devices which go into their body * intensive care unit patients * individuals who were previously treated with certain antibiotics Colonised people may carry C. auris for

months or years. This increases their risk of developing an infection and passing on the fungus to others. WHAT ILLNESSES CAN IT CAUSE? Infections range in severity. Some people may carry

the fungus without symptoms, while others develop serious infections such as infections in the blood, brain and spinal cord, bones, abdomen, wounds, ears, respiratory tract, and urinary

system. People who are carrying the fungus are still at risk of developing an infection or passing it on to others. HOW TO PREVENT C. AURIS FROM SPREADING Controlling C. auris needs very

thorough infection prevention and control measures within healthcare settings, warns the UKHSA. This includes: * hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand rubs or handwashing with soap and water

if hands are visibly soiled is essential * active surveillance to identify colonised or infected patients early; including patients who have had an overnight stay in a healthcare facility

outside the UK in the previous year or patients coming from affected units in the UK * appropriate management of patients colonised or infected with C. auris within healthcare settings *

thorough cleaning of the hospital environment using appropriate disinfectants * using single-use equipment where possible, making sure that reusable items undergo effective decontamination *

careful use of antimicrobials to help prevent strains of C. auris becoming more resistant to treatments