Candida auris (C. auris) is a deadly fungus that was detected in the US in 2016. Since its discovery, the number of infected cases has increased yearly, spreading across the US with California having the second highest case count.
According to the CDC, 359 Californians were diagnosed with Candida auris last year. The CDC has declared the fungus an urgent threat because of its resistance to antifungal medication commonly used to treat it. This emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis, treatment, and compliance with prevention strategies to minimize the spread.
Candida auris is one of the few fungal strains that can cause severe to fatal infections in people. The word “auris” is derived from the Latin term for ear, as the infection was first detected from the ear canal discharge found from the first case in 2009 in Japan. However, the infection can occur anywhere on the body.
Candida auris has three major characteristics, including:
Candida auris can spread from person to person (the primary means is when infected people shed the fungus through their skin cells) and through contact with contaminated equipment or surfaces.
Candida auris is usually not a threat to healthy people. However, hospitalized patients are more prone to severe illness from the infection, with healthcare facilities and nursing homes having reported more cases in the last year. In some patients, the infection can enter the bloodstream and spread across the body, causing life-threatening infections. That is why virtually any hospitalized patient needs to have continuous observation for the infection to complete an earlier diagnosis and treatment.
You may have an increased risk of contracting candida auris if you:
Candida auris can infect any body part, including the ears, hands, legs, bloodstream, and even open wounds. The symptoms may vary according to the infected site but notably include chills and fever that persist even after taking medication for a suspected infection.
Healthcare facilities have implemented the following strategies to limit the spread of Candida auris:
Treatment for Candida auris begins with specific antifungal medicines (called echinocandins). These are administered intravenously, under close supervision.
Upon your arrival at FCCMG, our healthcare providers will review your medical history and symptoms, then they may ask questions about your recent hospitalization, the use of antibiotics or catheters, etc. Thereafter, we may order the required laboratory tests if we suspect that you are infected with Candida auris.
If your test results confirm the diagnosis, we may then refer you to our network of doctors for your comprehensive treatment, as consultation with an infectious disease specialist is highly recommended for this infection.
As Candida auris is considered a high threat to hospitalized patients, report to your healthcare provider immediately if you experience persistent fever and chills after being discharged from the hospital, or you if you’ve been diagnosed and are considering hospital visitation. This can help your provider identify the underlying cause and treat it promptly, for your benefit and the protection of others.
If you or your child has a suspected candida auris infection, visit one of our urgent care centers in Irvine Woodbridge Walk-In Urgent Care, Fountain Valley Urgent Care, or Costa Mesa Urgent Care today for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
