Washington State Health Officials Monitor 13 Cases of New Fungus
Health officials in Washington state are monitoring 13 cases of a new fungus, Candida auris, identified in the Seattle-Tacoma area.
Seattle Tacoma, WA, August 8, 2026 —
Health officials in Washington state have confirmed 13 cases of a newly identified fungus, Candida auris, in the Seattle-Tacoma area. The Washington State Department of Health is actively monitoring the situation.
Candida auris is an emerging fungus that can present a serious public health concern. It is known to cause severe illness, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems, those who have recently been in the hospital, or people with invasive medical devices like ventilators or central lines.
The fungus can spread through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated environmental surfaces. Symptoms of Candida auris infection can vary depending on the affected body part but may include fever, chills, fatigue, and other signs of infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designated Candida auris as an urgent threat.
As of the latest reports, the specific source of the identified cases in the Seattle-Tacoma region has not been detailed. Public health authorities are working to understand the extent of the spread and implement containment measures. Further information regarding the timeline of identification and specific locations within the Seattle-Tacoma area has not been publicly released.
This development highlights ongoing public health surveillance efforts to track and manage new infectious agents. Washington state health officials are coordinating with federal agencies, including the CDC, to ensure a comprehensive response. The public is advised to follow standard hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, to help prevent the spread of infections.
Story summarized from the original created by Annabelle.Pepin@fox.com (Annabelle Pepin) on www.fox13seattle.com, see more information here.
