As the world is struggling with the rising COVID-19 cases, another global health threat may be lingering, notes UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), it is the Candidozyma auris. It is a recently discovered fundus, notes the UKHSA, and is a type of microorganism, which can make you ill. We are often surrounded by fungi, but do not realise it. However, there may be some kind which could pose significant health threats and can also spread silently, even in hospitals. This is Candidozyma auris, or the C. auris, which was formerly known as Candida auris. C. auris rarely causes infections in healthy people but can be dangerous for those in hospitals—especially patients who are critically ill, have been admitted for long periods, or have weakened immune systems. First discovered in 2009 in a patient’s ear in Japan, it has since spread to over 40 countries across six continents. What makes C. auris particularly worrisome is its ability to survive on surfaces for extended periods, including in hospital settings, and its resistance to many commonly used treatments and disinfectants.How Does It Spread?C. auris mainly spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces, medical equipment, or directly from people who carry the fungus. Some individuals may have C. auris on their skin without showing symptoms—this is called colonisation. However, if the fungus enters the body through a wound or medical device like a catheter or drip, it can lead to infection.In healthcare settings, C. auris can easily pass from one person to another. Colonisation can happen simply by touching surfaces or items that carry the fungus. It has been found on various hospital objects, including bedside equipment, radiators, sinks, windowsills, and medical tools such as thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, and stethoscopes.What Are The Illnesses Caused By C. auris?C. auris infections can vary in severity. Some people may carry the fungus without any symptoms, while others can develop serious infections in the blood, brain, spinal cord, bones, abdomen, wounds, ears, lungs, or urinary tract. Even those without symptoms can still develop an infection later or spread the fungus to others.Who is at risk?C. auris mainly affects people in hospitals or other healthcare settings, particularly those with weakened immune systems. This includes:Patients who have received medical care abroad in the past year, especially from countries with ongoing C. auris outbreaksIndividuals with long hospital staysPatients using medical devices that go inside the body (like catheters or IV lines)People in intensive care unitsThose who have taken certain antibiotics previouslyPeople who are colonised (carrying the fungus without symptoms) can do so for months or even years, putting them at ongoing risk of infection and making it easier for the fungus to spread to others.