Health officials attribute the increase to improved hospital screening, not a surge in infections.
Pima County has reported 33 clinical cases of Candida auris so far this year, already four more than the 29 cases reported in all of 2025, according to KVOA News 4 Tucson. The drug-resistant fungus can cause serious infections, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Despite the higher number, health officials say the increase does not necessarily mean more people are getting sick. Instead, they attribute the rise to improved screening at local hospitals, which is helping identify carriers earlier—including those who show no symptoms.
“This is actually good news. It means that we’re finding Candida auris a little bit earlier, and we’re able to have proper infection prevention measures to prevent transmission within the facility,” said Eleana Acosta Zavela, a Pima County epidemiologist.
What is Candida auris?
Candida auris is a type of yeast that can cause bloodstream infections, wound infections, and ear infections. It is often resistant to multiple antifungal drugs, making treatment difficult. The fungus primarily affects older adults and people with weakened immune systems, such as those in hospitals or long-term care facilities.
Why the increase?
The county’s enhanced screening protocols are designed to detect the fungus in patients who may be colonized—meaning they carry the organism without showing symptoms. Early detection allows facilities to implement infection prevention measures, such as isolation and enhanced cleaning, to reduce transmission.
“We’re not seeing a spike in infections,” Acosta Zavela emphasized. “The increase in cases is a reflection of better detection, not a worsening outbreak.”
Prevention
Health officials stress that good hand hygiene is a key preventive measure. Regular handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers can help reduce the spread of the fungus in healthcare settings and the community.
Residents with questions about Candida auris or infection control should contact the Pima County Health Department.