India, Aug. 5 -- A lethal fungus capable of enduring for weeks on hospital surfaces and resisting conventional treatment has been documented in 23 states in 2026.

Federal monitoring has identified over 3,000 clinical instances of Candida auris as of July 18. Texas topped the nation with 706 cases, followed by Michigan with 503 and Illinois with 366.

The increasing number does not indicate extensive transmission in residential areas, educational institutions, or public venues.

Candida auris primarily spreads within hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities, where patients may rely on ventilators, catheters, feeding tubes, and central intravenous lines.

For people in good health, the risk is minimal. However, for criticall...