Blog
Special Message from Maine CDC
- By: Maureen Carland
- On: 05/17/2023 14:13:23
- In: Quality/Regulatory
A Special Message from Maine CDC
Candida auris (C. auris), an emerging fungus considered an urgent antimicrobial resistance threat, spread at an alarming rate in U.S. healthcare facilities in 2020-2021 according to U.S. CDC data published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. The rapid rise in cases and geographic spread emphasize the need for continued surveillance, expanded laboratory capacity, quicker diagnostic tests, and robust infection prevention and control.
Infection prevention and control is critical to helping stop the spread of C. auris in healthcare facilities. C. auris can be found on the skin, as well as dry surfaces and devices in the healthcare environment. This is why healthcare workers should follow the recommended infection control actions, like regularly cleaning hands, cleaning and disinfecting often, and using the right transmission-based precautions.
Attached is a simple educational tool developed by U.S. CDC Project Firstline to help initiation conversation and education with frontline staff and providers about C. auris. Please feel free to disseminate within your institutions.
Helpful CDC Links:
Questions, reach out to MECDC.HAI@maine.gov !
Staff Contact: mcarland@mehca.org