top of page

PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS are warning about a deadly, drug-resistant fungus

Updated: Apr 22, 2020

A drug-resistant superbug fungus has been identified in more than 30 countries and has sickened nearly 600 people across the United States in recent years, including more than 300 patients in New York State, the CDC reported.


The fungus, a type of yeast called Candida auris, can lead to serious, hard-to-treat infections of the blood, brain, heart and more. Candida auris, which preys on people with weakened immune systems, can be deadly. It is difficult to identify and has caused outbreaks in health care facilities around the world, emerging as a "serious global health threat," according to the CDC.


Resistant to Antifungals = Superbug


Many C. auris samples have been resistant to two main antifungal medications and can become resistant to a third even as a patient is being treated.

This is why some are calling Candida auris a superbug, a name typically given to bacteria that's resistant to antibiotics. "We've seen it become resistant to all three classes of antifungals, making it a superbug, making it really untreatable, because there is no drug that kills it," Dr. Tom Chiller, chief of the CDC's Mycotic Diseases Branch, told CNN.


The first documented U.S. patient became ill in 2013, and since then, health officials had confirmed 587 cases in a dozen states as of the end of February. Most cases have been concentrated in New Jersey, the New York City area and the Chicago area. An additional 1,056 patients who were screened for C. auris in seven states were found to be carrying the fungus but did not get sick from it.


Investigators first identified the fungus in Japan in 2009, though subsequent review shows the earliest known strain of C. auris appeared in 1996 in South Korea. The strain's relatively recent emergence and unique behavior has baffled many in the public health community, and a New York Times series shows that hospitals and health agencies have been reluctant to discuss their cases out of concern they will be viewed as "infection hubs."


Important to Know

The fungus acts like bacteria and can live on surfaces for several weeks. People in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics have a higher risk of falling ill from Candida auris, which lives on contaminated equipment and surfaces in such settings. C. auris can spread quickly in medical settings through contact with contaminated equipment or personal contact with an infected person. The fungus can live on your skin and not cause an infection. But if it infects a wound or your blood, it can be fatal.


Infections are most common in people with already weakened immune systems, people who have taken antibiotics or antifungal medications, have had recent surgery or spent time in a nursing home, and those who have a tube going into their body – such as a breathing tube or IV device – though the CDC says further study is needed to fully understand risk factors. Among a set of 127 cases confirmed in Illinois, for example, 77% of patients had an IV device. Infections have been identified in "patients of all ages, from preterm infants to the elderly," the CDC says.


Symptoms of Candida auris

According to the CDC, symptoms of the fungus may be difficult to detect because patients are often already sick and only a lab test can identify the superbug. Candida auris can cause different types of infections, including bloodstream infection, wound infection, and ear infection. Candida auris infections may be difficult to recognize, Bernard Camins, MD, medical director for infection prevention at Mount Sinai Health System in New York, tells Health. "The symptoms may not be any different from any other infection you see." They include fever, weakness, low blood pressure, and feeling tired.


People who recently had surgery, live in nursing homes, or who have breathing tubes, feeding tubes or central venous catheters appear to be at highest risk.


"Based on information from a limited number of patients, 30 – 60% of people with C. auris infections have died. However, many of these people had other serious illnesses that also increased their risk of death," the CDC said.



What Facilities May Be Affected Is Not Clear

A recent New York Times report highlighted the fact that it's not always clear which facilities are affected. That's because hospital staff members don't have to announce to the public if Candida auris has been detected within their facility. In fact, the CDC isn't allowed to publicly recognize hospitals that are trying to manage the spread of Candida auris and other potentially dangerous bugs, according to the Times report.


Some say announcing the spread of a deadly fungus at a hospital would do more harm than good, keeping people from seeking medical care when they need it. Others say withholding that information isn't fair. "Who's speaking up for the baby that got the flu from the hospital worker or for the patient who got MRSA from a bedrail? The idea isn't to embarrass or humiliate anyone, but if we don't draw more attention to infectious disease outbreaks, nothing is going to change," Arthur Caplan, PhD, told the New York Times.



What You Can Do

According to the CDC:

Healthy Americans "probably have a low chance of Candida auris infection."

Along with taking MBi 30ppm Colloidal Silver daily as your fast-acting broad-spectrum immune support, you should wash your hands carefully and frequently if you're visiting or caring for someone in a health care facility. If you're going to be there often, you might want to consider wiping surfaces around you down with bleach every now and then.



Sources for article: CDC, CNN, CBS News, New York Times, U.S. News & World Report and Yahoo Health.

 
 

Comments


Recommended Posts

Recent Posts

Delightful, Delicious Easter Truffles!

Some like it hot, some like it cold! What shower temperature is best?

Cabin Fever? No problem - Quarantine Globetrotting is Totally a Thing

Make this Valentine’s Day Incredibly Intimate with an Unforgettable Ultimate Body Massage!

Truth or Myth: Will Silver Turn Me Blue?

7 Tips for A Happier You!

Popular Posts

Five Immune-Boosting Foods We're OBSESSED With

Delightful, Delicious Easter Truffles!

7 Tips for A Happier You!

Avocados... Trend or Truth?

Join MBi Rewards Newsletter

Receive great tips, early access to promo codes and specials! Learn more here!

  • Why is MBi Colloidal Silver 30ppm better than other immune support products?
    Our silver is a natural fast acting – broad spectrum support for your immune system and unlike some other immune supplements, it can be safely taken every day.
  • How much of MBi Colloidal Silver 30ppm should I take daily?
    For adults and children four or more years of age it is recommended to take one teaspoon full strength as needed up to three times daily or as directed by your health care professional. For topical cuts, scratches, and rashes: Wash area with warm water and soap, pat dry. Apply Colloidal Silver to the affected area. Let air dry, then cover.
  • Is MBi Nutraceuticals 30ppm Colloidal Silver safe for nursing or pregnant women?
    Although silver is a known component of the human and animal diet, FDA regulations limit the labeling of dietary supplements. Silver is a naturally occurring trace element found in all mammalian milk, whole grains, spring water, edible mushrooms, saltwater and even tap water, among others. Please check with your health care provider to find out if MBi Nutraceuticals 30ppm Colloidal Silver is appropriate for your needs during pregnancy or for the needs of your baby.
  • Is MBi Colloidal Silver 30ppm safe for my pets and how much should I add to my pet's drinking water?
    Our silver is non-toxic and safe for pets and mammals, feathered and furry. For daily immune health, it is recommended to use one teaspoon daily in the water dish. Note:It is not safe to use MBi Nutraceuticals 30ppm Colloidal Silver in a fish tank.
  • Does MBi Nutraceuticals 30ppm Colloidal Silver destroy the friendly and beneficial probiotics (i.e., flora) in my intestines when I ingest it?"
    MBi Nutraceuticals 30ppm Colloidal Silver is probiotic friendly—does not inhibit the growth of good, healthy probiotics. A peer reviewed literature study by researchers at the University of Michigan looked at whether ionic silver or colloidal silver particles in pure forms altered the natural distribution of species in the gut microbiome (Wilding, et al., Nanotoxicology, 2016). A similar number of overall species was observed between a water-only control and all forms of silver administered orally at 2,000X the EPA Reference Dose for 28 days. Study results - Silver does not alter the distribution of species in the gut microbiome.
  • Does it need to be refrigerated after I open it or require special storage?
    MBi Nutraceuticals 30ppm Colloidal Silver does not need to be refrigerated after opening. It can be stored at room temperature, preferably out of direct sunlight.
  • If I need it for my throat, how long should I gargle with it?"
    It is recommended to gargle one to two teaspoons MBi Nutraceuticals 30ppm Colloidal Silver for two minutes, then swallow.
  • How much MBi Nutraceuticals 30ppm Colloidal Silver is needed to be an effective mouthwash?
    It is recommended to hold one teaspoon on area inside mouth for a couple of minutes, then swish and swallow. For more dental support use up to three times daily.
  • Can I use MBi Nutraceuticals 30ppm Colloidal Silver in my ear?
    Yes, it is recommended to put ¼ teaspoon into ear, leave for two minutes, then tip out; repeat up to 3 times daily.
  • Does it have a taste?
    MBi Nutraceuticals 30ppm Colloidal Silver does not have a taste, it tastes like water. Some people are able to detect a slight metallic flavor, which is normal.
  • Your label states dosing for children 4 years and older; what about younger children?
    Under the Dietary Supplement Health Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), dietary supplements may only be marketed for children 4 years and older. Ask your health care practitioner for use with children under 4.
  • Should I dilute MBi Nutraceuticals 30ppm Colloidal Silver or mix it with saline or juices?
    Dilution is never recommended. For adults and Children over 4 years of age, we suggest that you take the product full strength up to three times daily. For pets, you can add the suggested daily dose to their water bowl.
  • Do I need to take MBi Nutraceuticals 30ppm Colloidal Silver on an empty stomach, or stop taking it after a certain amount of time?"
    We do recommend taking the product 5-15 minutes away from food and drinks. This is not necessary but recommended for optimal product performance. There is no need to stop taking MBi Nutraceuticals 30ppm Colloidal Silver, in fact we recommend a minimum of teaspoon per day for daily immune support.
  • Can I take MBi Nutraceuticals 30ppm Colloidal Silver while taking antibiotics, or other vitamins and minerals?"
    MBi Nutraceuticals 30ppm Colloidal Silver has not been shown to interact negatively with any antibiotics, vaccinations, vitamins or minerals. With over 30 years of manufacturing colloidal silver, we have no reported side effects or negative interactions. As always, it is important to talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or supplementation.
  • Why do you not make any disease claims on your product?
    In the USA, MBi Nutraceuticals 30ppm Colloidal Silver is marketed as a Dietary Supplement under DSHEA; supplements are regulated by the FDA in a different category than drugs. MBi Nutraceuticals does not make drug claims on its products or marketing materials. We take the regulations very seriously and stand by strict manufacturing requirements to assure that our certified cGMP state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and laboratory exceeds industry standards helping us to maintain our leadership in the market.

COMPANY

GET HELP

USEFUL LINKS

CONNECT WITH US

MBi Colloidal Silver. All Rights Reserved 

© 

2025

MBi Colloidal Silver. All Rights Reserved  |  Privacy Policy | Site Map | Powered By: SugarFree Designs

bottom of page