Local News

Illinois Officials Warn Against Potentially Deadly Fungus

/ CBS Chicago

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois public health officials are warning against a potentially deadly fungus that is resistant to several drugs.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, the director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said infections from the fungus called Candida auris can cause serious illness. Several drugs are ineffective against it and it can spread in health facilities. Dozens of cases have been reported in Illinois .

It's still rare in the U.S. and most people have a low risk of contracting it.
People in health care settings should keep their hands clean and ensure medical professionals do too. They should ask if medical equipment and nearby surfaces have been properly disinfected.
(Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed). 

First published on April 10, 2019 / 10:28 AM CDT

© 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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