The Life-Threatening Fungal Superbug: Candida Auris Strikes Nevada
The threat of a fungus resistant to antibiotics is a serious public health concern, particularly for individuals residing in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Candida auris, a multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO), has been identified as one of the most dangerous superbugs due to its potential to cause severe illnesses and even death.
In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracked a significant increase in the number of clinical cases of Candida Auris—a potentially lethal fungus that is resistant to common antibiotics—in the United States.
Of the 2,377 total cases reported, 16%, or 384 were identified in Nevada. This was followed by California with 359 cases, Florida with 349 cases and New York with 326. The CDC findings were published March 20th of that year, the same day a study in Annals of Internal Medicine reported that cases of C. auris had tripled over the last three years and were present in 27 states plus Washington D.C. The first infections were recorded back in 2013.
How Can You Prevent the Spread of Candida Auris?
In order to reduce the risk transmission among vulnerable nursing home residents, healthcare workers should take steps such as performing routine environmental cleaning and disinfection, ensuring proper hand hygiene practices among staff and visitors, implementing contact precautions such as gowns and gloves when treating residents with C. auris, and prompt treatment for anyCandidaauris or other MDROs related infections.
Unfortunately, at present there is no vaccine or method that can completely stop the spread of Candida auris. Because of this it is imperative family members or loved ones seek legal assistance if necessary through experienced lawyers specializing in nursing home injury law like J. Cogburn Law in Las Vegas if they suspect an infection with Candida auris or other fungal infections have occured.
Can a Nursing Home Injury Law Firm Help Families at This Time?
As the spread of Candida auris—a potentially lethal fungus that is resistant to common antibiotics—in nursing homes across Nevada continues, family members or loved ones affected by this multi-drug resistant organism (MDRO) may be wondering if they can seek legal assistance. The answer is yes; experienced lawyers specializing in nursing home injury law like J. Cogburn Law in Las Vegas are able to help families looking for justice and compensation.
How Can J. Cogburn Law Help?
With the rise of infections occurring due to Candida auris, there have been cases of wrongful death, negligence or abuse resulting from either misdiagnosis or lack of necessary prevention protocols in many healthcare facilities across the U.S. To reduce the risk of transmission among vulnerable nursing home residents, healthcare workers should take steps such as performing routine environmental cleaning and disinfection, ensuring proper hand hygiene practices among staff and visitors, implementing contact precautions such as gowns and gloves when treating residents with C. auris, and prompt treatment for any Candida auris or other MDROs related infections.
It’s important to acknowledge that filing a lawsuit against those responsible for the widespread infection of C. auris can often be complicated. Knowing your rights as a close family member or relative regarding any cases related to Candida auris will give you better clarity on how you should proceed with any claims against negligent parties involved in its transmission and/or treatment.