Four Cases of Drug-Resistant Fungus Found at Kindred Hospital Seattle
In a recent development, four individuals with connections to Kindred Hospital Seattle have tested positive for Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus that can be potentially deadly. However, before you start panicking about a widespread outbreak reminiscent of “The Last of Us,” it’s important to understand the situation in detail.
Candida auris is a type of yeast that is known to spread easily among patients in healthcare facilities. The first case of infection was discovered in July when a patient from Pierce County was admitted to Kindred Hospital. Subsequently, three more individuals were screened this month and were found to be positive for the fungus, despite initially testing negative.
One of the concerning aspects of this fungus is that infected individuals may not always show symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that there is no common set of symptoms specific to C. auris infections. Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the infection, which can occur in different parts of the body, including open wounds, ears, and the bloodstream, where it can be particularly dangerous.
What makes this case noteworthy is that it is the first known locally acquired instance of the fungus in Washington state. Approximately 5-10% of patients colonized with the fungus may eventually become seriously ill. Colonization refers to individuals who have the fungus on their body but do not exhibit any signs of infection. These individuals can still spread the fungus to others and surfaces. Three of the identified cases are considered colonized, while the fourth patient is currently infected. However, the other three individuals could potentially become infected over time.
Meagan Kay, the deputy chief of Public Health – Seattle & King County’s Communicable Disease Epidemiology and Immunization Section, emphasized that these cases are linked to Kindred Hospital, a long-term acute care facility in the state. C. auris infections can be particularly dangerous for patients with complex medical conditions who use medical devices. According to the CDC, individuals with breathing and feeding tubes or catheters may be especially susceptible to infection.
The concern arises from the ease with which C. auris spreads in healthcare environments and its resistance to commonly used antifungal medications. Some strains have even shown resistance to all three main classes of antifungal medicines, making treatment extremely challenging.
However, it is important to note that for the average healthy person, there is no need for immediate concern or specific actions. Public Health – Seattle & King County is working closely with healthcare facilities to implement appropriate infection-prevention measures and minimize the spread of the fungus. The fact that Kindred Hospital detected these cases early on is a positive sign.
Cases of C. auris infections have been increasing nationally, and health officials had anticipated finding the fungus in Washington state eventually. To better prepare, Kindred Hospital has partnered with the CDC and state and local agencies to proactively screen patients. This proactive approach has allowed for the early identification of these cases.
It is worth mentioning that other healthcare facilities may not be screening patients proactively, which means there could be undetected cases. Given the nature of the patients at Kindred Hospital who require extra care, it is sensible for them to screen for C. auris.
The patients identified with the fungus are being closely monitored, and efforts are underway to prevent further spread of the infection. The partnership between Kindred Hospital and various health organizations has played a crucial role in identifying these cases early on.
For more information on how these cases were discovered and what this means, you can visit the Public Health Insider blog. While it is important to stay informed about public health concerns, there is no need for undue alarm in this particular situation.
