Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

January 8, 2021

Candida Auris Outbreak in a COVID-19 Specialty Care Unit — Florida, July–August 2020

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A dedicated COVID-19 specialty care unit at an acute care hospital in Florida reported four fungal infections with Candida auris, which is often resistant to several anti-fungal medications, in July 2020. An additional 35 patients were found to be colonized with C. auris during testing between August 4 and 18. During that time, investigators observed lapses in hand hygiene and opportunities for contamination of the base layer of PPE during removal of PPE and through direct contact with the patient care environment or potentially contaminated surfaces. The authors note that the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted some facilities to implement PPE conservation strategies and to use PPE in non-routine ways, such as extended wear and reuse. They recommend that health care workers should continue to implement infection prevention practices intended to prevent transmission of other pathogens while caring for patients in a dedicated COVID-19 unit.

Prestel and Anderson. (Jan 8, 2021). Candida Auris Outbreak in a COVID-19 Specialty Care Unit — Florida, July–August 2020. MMWR. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7002e3