CDC: Drug-resistant yeast is ‘global emerging threat’

(CNN) — A harmful and deadly yeast-fungus called Candida Auris is lurking in hospitals and nursing homes and health officials are now warning about how fast it’s spreading in health care facilities.

There have been nearly 600 cases in 12 states across the US with more than 300 of them in New York and more than 100 in New Jersey.

Candida Auris can enter the bloodstream and spread rapidly wreaking havoc throughout the body, causing serious invasive infections.

The big problem.

Infections are extremely hard to treat because it’s resistant to most anti-fungal drugs and symptoms are hard to detect because it’s often infecting people who are already sick.

It’s also difficult to identify and can only be diagnosed by specialized laboratories using specific testing methods which is making it difficult to control the spread.

Scientists are still working to learn more about the yeast.

They recommend washing your hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizers in health care facilities and remind your health care providers to do the same during your visits.