2 past UW Medicine patients test positive for Candida auris

University of Washington Medical Center – Northwest has learned that two previously admitted patients have tested positive for Candida auris. This is a drug-resistant fungus that has become increasingly common throughout the United States and the rest of the world.

The first patient was admitted from a skilled nursing facility and diagnosed with a C. auris bloodstream infection after a complex hospital course. The second patient was diagnosed with C. auris colonization upon admission to another facility several weeks after discharge from UWMC – Northwest. The fungus was detected on the patient’s skin but was not causing an infection. After increasing C. auris screening of patients on specific units, UWMC – Northwest found no additional cases. 

C. auris poses low risk to healthcare personnel and visitors. It primarily affects individuals  who are receiving complex medical care. It is not transmitted through the air.

“Healthy people typically do not need to worry about C. auris infections. The risk is primarily for patients at the hospital for a long time and who need medical interventions like breathing tubes, feeding tubes or urinary catheters,” said Dr. Eric Chow, chief of communicable disease epidemiology for Public Health – Seattle & King County. 

He added, “As is the case with many multidrug-resistant organisms, it can be difficult to identify the initial source of the infection. While the investigation is ongoing, the original source of C. auris in this situation may never be identified. However, early identification of these cases and collaboration between Public Health and UW Medicine provides a greater opportunity to reduce the risk of further spread.”

It is impossible to know whether the pathogen was acquired at UWMC – Northwest or elsewhere. Because these two cases briefly overlapped on the same hospital unit, linkage between these two cases cannot be ruled out. Because of this, and out of an abundance of caution, UWMC – Northwest is partnering with Public Health – Seattle & -King County to notify area healthcare facilities about the two cases and to take additional steps to detect and prevent the spread of C. auris in the community and to protect patients. 

UWMC – Northwest also acted to notify its staff, to enhance existing infection-control measures and to implement special cleaning and disinfection against C. auris. The hospital’s healthcare providers and other staff members are dedicated to ensuring a safe environment for all patients. 

To learn more about Candida auris, see: 

• Candida auris information from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention 
• Washington State Department of Health FAQ   

For details about UW Medicine, please visit https://uwmedicine.org/about.