CDC Warns of Global Health Threat: Indiana, Kentucky & Illinois

The Centers for Disease Control has released information about a type of yeast fungus that is on the rise in healthcare facilities.

What is Candida auris (C. auris) ?

Let's start with the positive side of this potentially life-threatening infection. The research shows that it is generally not a threat to healthy people.

Candida auris (C. auris) is a type of yeast that can cause severe illness and spreads easily among patients in healthcare facilities. C. auris can cause infections in different parts of the body such as in the bloodstream, open wounds, and ears. The symptoms depend on the location and severity of C. auris infection.

So, this isn't just a simple yeast infection or bacteria growth on the skin.

PHOTO: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL C. AURIS

Who's at Risk?

C. auris is spread easily in healthcare facilities. It's important to sanitize your hands alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash with soap and water before and after visiting a patient.

C. auris mostly affects patients with severe underlying medical conditions and requiring complex medical care. Patients with invasive medical devices like breathing tubes, feeding tubes, catheters in a vein, or urinary catheters tend to be at increased risk for getting C. auris and developing an infection.

Testing for Candida auris (C. auris)

According to the CDC, just because you have visited a patient or work in a healthcare facility doesn't mean you have to be screened for the infection.

Ranking the States That Eat the Healthiest Food

When looking at all U.S. States here is a look at the states that seem to do the best job at making sure they are eating healthy foods.

Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins

Get our free mobile app

5 Negative Health Effects Of Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time is March 10th, 2024, and losing that precious hour of sleep can have some serious effects on your health, according to Midwestern Medicine.

Gallery Credit: Buehler