Drug-resistant fungal infections are spreading rapidly in European hospitals

A new report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has sounded the alarm over the rapid spread of the drug-resistant Candida auris fungus in hospitals across Europe. Health authorities warn that this fungus can cause serious infections in high-risk patients, and urgent actions are needed to contain its spread. Between 2013 and 2023, over 4,000 cases have been reported in the European Union and nearby countries, with a significant rise in recent years. Spain, Greece, Italy, Romania, and Germany top the list of affected countries, while more than 50 new cases have been reported in Cyprus, France, and Germany in recent months.

The ECDC highlights the challenge of fighting Candida auris, noting that it spreads quickly in hospital environments and can survive on surfaces for extended periods. Standard disinfectants are often not effective against it. While 18 countries detected the fungus in 2023, only 17 have national monitoring programs for Candida auris, and 15 have implemented special guidelines for infection prevention and control, underlining the need for better coordinated responses throughout Europe.

Experts emphasize that Candida auris infections can be difficult to detect, as they usually do not present with clear symptoms—patients may only show general signs like fever and chills, and laboratory testing is required for confirmation. The fungus often spreads when patients who have been hospitalized in affected countries carry the infection to new locations. The ECDC is calling on European countries to strengthen their surveillance and control measures, noting that lessons from recent outbreaks should guide preparation and response to this growing public health threat.