Mar 17, 2026
3 min read
The Tennessee Department of Health reports there have been 8 screening cases and 40 clinical cases of Canada auris reported in Tennessee this year.
'Superfungal' growth in Tennessee: Experts identify emergence of Candida auris
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – According to the Tennessee Department of Health, there are eight active screening cases and forty clinical cases of Candida Auris in Tennessee so far this year.
Even 10 years ago, this fungus was almost unheard of.During the year, there were only 51 known cases of C. auris in just four states.
Now the World Health Organization has classified C. auris as one of the most dangerous fungal superbugs.
We spoke with an infectious disease professor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center about the impact on the Tennessee Valley.
"First of all, it is resistant to many treatments that we have. Second, it affects people who are older, have complex medical conditions, surgery. Interestingly, there is a lot of Candida Auris around the world, so some people who go abroad and are hospitalized for medical care can bring the infection home with them, said Dr. Schaffner, Professor of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University.
Currently, the Tennessee Department of Health is closely monitoring and monitoring the situation.
Officials are trying to help organizations with potential Candida auris outbreaks, providing infection control guidelines to minimize the risk to their patients.
Mr. Haben Gefret Dr. Shafner, and the infection was caused.
"Well, the places where they live are hospitals and medical care, very critical care. Places where people are sent for post-hospital care. It's important to remember that these are almost 100% critically ill patients," said Dr.Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
CDC officials want to reiterate the importance of frequent hand washing to prevent the spread of the virus.
For more information about Aurisis, you can visit here.
