Valley health officials monitoring cases of deadly fungus infection

Health officials in the Rio Grande Valley are monitoring a rise in cases of Candida auris, a potentially deadly, drug-resistant fungus. While it is not a widespread threat to the general public, it poses a serious risk to vulnerable patients in hospitals and nursing homes. The Hidalgo County Health Department has reported around 150 confirmed cases this year, and Cameron County has seen 40 cases, with officials expecting the number to increase. The fungus can live on surfaces and spreads through direct contact, making proper disinfection and isolation of patients with confirmed cases crucial for prevention. Symptoms can include fever, chills, and rash that do not improve with antibiotics.