In the US, the outbreak of dangerous thrush: who is at risk and how to protect themselves
'01.03.2018'
Source: Consumer Reports
While this disease is unlike the thrush most women are familiar with, it is caused by the same fungi of the genus Candida. But the yeast Candida auris is much more dangerous - it affects the internal organs and can lead to death.
US health experts are concerned about an increase in the US spread of yeast thrush, or Candida auris: 243 case in 10 states since the beginning of the month. Outbreaks mainly occur in hospitals, which is not typical of yeast infections, and constitute a “serious global threat,” writes Consumer Reports.
4 was registered less than the number of cases last spring. And in the period from 2013 to 2016, the year of all 13 cases. Doctors see a big problem in the fact that every time the fungus reacts worse and worse to the most common antifungal drugs, increasing its resistance. So, the treatment is difficult. About 60% of people infected Candida aurisdie. In the United States, this figure is 30%, but it is not yet known whether this is the result of the infection itself or complications due to other diseases on which the infection is "layered".
C. auris can be transmitted from person to person, unlike other yeast infections. The fungus can live on infected objects: beds, chairs, catheters and other equipment, as well as at the hands of medical professionals.
Who is at risk?
If you are generally healthy, most likely, do not worry.
“We haven't seen this fungus outside of hospitals,” says Professor Peter Pappas, an infectious disease specialist.
Until now, the infection has affected only the most weakened patients in the intensive care units (intensive care units), as well as those with severely reduced immunity, for example, in diabetes. Risk groups include residents of nursing homes with chronic diseases, as well as those who are awaiting or have recently received transplants of internal organs, cancer patients.
5 ways to protect
If someone from near and dear to you is in the hospital, receives medical care and nursing care at home, or undergoes physical rehabilitation:
- Wash your hands thoroughly when you enter his room / ward, and insist that medical staff do the same.
- Talk out loud about how others wash their hands in a wrong way (healthcare providers do this less than half the time, according to the CDC.) You may need to remind nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals to wash your hands beyond just entering the room, but also after the treatment of an open wound of the patient, contact with blood and other body fluids - or even touching someone else's skin. Anyone wearing medical gloves should wash their hands after removing them.
- Ask if patients are in the institution. C. auris. If yes, find out if additional precautions have been taken. Infected patients should be in the same room, all those who are in contact with them should wear gowns and gloves, and medical professionals should use disposable patient care equipment (even blood pressure cuffs).
- Ask which detergents are used in the hospital. CDC recommends using an environmentally friendly hospital disinfectant that is effective against spores. Clostridium difficile. This is the strongest disinfectant currently available.
- If a person is given intravenous antibiotics in intensive care, ask if it is really necessary. Intravenous antibiotics are a significant risk factor for any invasive fungus, experts say. In particular, because they kill beneficial bacteria in the intestines, promoting the growth of yeasts.
Diagnosis and treatment
As a rule, people who have a fungus are already ill, so it may be difficult to determine the symptoms of the disease.
Most often it is fever and chills, which are not relieved after the introduction of antibiotics. If you notice this, consult a doctor on the spot. Usually for diagnosis using special blood tests.
Any person with an identified infection must be constantly under medical supervision and strictly follow the instructions of doctors.
