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Portugal Detects Deadly Superbug Candida Auris
15 Jan
Summary
- Eight cases of Candida auris infection identified in Portugal in 2023.
- Three patients died, but deaths weren't solely due to the fungus.
- This drug-resistant fungus is present in approximately 60 countries worldwide.
In 2023, researchers identified eight instances of the invasive "Candida auris" infection within a hospital in northern Portugal. This marks the superbug's initial detection in the country. While three patients succumbed to their illnesses, their deaths were primarily attributed to severe pre-existing comorbidities rather than solely to the Candida auris infection.
The drug-resistant fungus, which spreads within healthcare settings and is resistant to several antifungal medications, poses a significant threat to global public health. It is capable of entering the bloodstream and invading vital organs, leading to potentially deadly outcomes, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems.
First identified in Japan in 2009, "Candida auris" has since been reported in approximately 60 countries, with significant increases noted in European countries. Healthcare facilities are urged to maintain heightened vigilance, implement rigorous disinfection protocols, and seek immediate medical attention if infection is suspected.
