Quick read
Key points
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Candida auris (C. auris) is a type of fungus that can cause serious infections, particularly in people who are already unwell in hospital or long-term care settings. It's of particular concern because it can be resistant to multiple antifungal medications and can spread easily between patients in healthcare settings.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You're informed by a healthcare facility that you've been in contact with C. auris and have questions about what this means
01 · Know
What is C. auris?
Candida auris (C. auris) is a type of fungus that can cause serious infections, particularly in people who are already unwell in hospital or long-term care settings. It's of particular concern because it can be resistant to multiple antifungal medications and can spread easily between patients in healthcare settings.
For most healthy people outside of these settings, the risk of C. auris infection is very low. It's primarily a concern for hospitals and care facilities, which follow strict infection control procedures to prevent its spread.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
It mainly affects people who are already unwell in healthcare settings
C. auris rarely affects healthy people outside of hospital or long-term care settings — it's primarily a concern for those who are already seriously unwell or have invasive medical devices in place.
03 · Act
When This Is Relevant
- 1You're informed by a healthcare facility that you've been in contact with C. auris and have questions about what this means
- 2You have concerns about infection control during a hospital stay
- 3Healthcare staff will guide any necessary screening or precautions if you're at higher risk
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Healthcare Facilities Manage This Through Infection Control
If you're told you've had contact with C. auris in a healthcare setting, staff will guide any necessary precautions — this isn't something to manage independently.
- 1Follow any infection control guidance given by healthcare staff.This may include specific hand hygiene or isolation precautions during a hospital stay.
- 2Ask questions if you're unsure what a diagnosis or contact notification means.Healthcare staff can explain what precautions, if any, apply to your specific situation.
- 3Practice good hand hygiene, especially in healthcare settings.This is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of many healthcare-associated infections, including C. auris.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
C. auris is primarily a concern in healthcare settings, and strict infection control procedures are in place to manage and prevent its spread.
For most healthy people outside of hospital or long-term care, the risk of C. auris remains very low.