OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklah. — A dangerous, drug-resistant fungus that can spread inside hospitals and nursing homes is drawing renewed attention from Oklahoma health officials as case counts climb sharply in the state.

The fungus, Candida auris, spreads easily in health care facilities, particularly among patients who are already sick or have weakened immune systems.

Health experts say it can cause serious infections, including life-threatening bloodstream infections, and can survive on surfaces for weeks or even months.

Patients with breathing tubes, feeding tubes, or catheters are at higher risk, according to health experts.

More than one in three patients die within a month of being diagnosed with an invasive C. auris infection.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health says cases have been reported in dozens of countries since the fungus was discovered in 2009, including in the United States.

In Oklahoma, 352 cases have been reported since 2023, compared with just two cases before then.

So far in 2026, 129 cases have been identified statewide.

Health experts warn that not all disinfectants are effective against C. auris.

The Environmental Protection Agency maintains a list of products proven to work against the multidrug-resistant fungus, known as EPA List P.

Many of those products contain ingredients such as bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or peracetic acid.

Health experts also say many infections do not respond to common antifungal medications, and some strains are resistant to all major antifungal drugs.

C. auris can cause infections in different parts of the body, including the blood, wounds, and ears.

Symptoms may resemble bacterial infections, such as fever or chills, and there is no set of symptoms specific to C. auris infections.

Erica Rankin with the Oklahoma State Department of Health told Fox 25, “It is important to emphasize that in general, the public faces a low risk regarding C. auris, as it does not occur easily outside of healthcare facilities. It primarily affects patients who require complex medical care, such as those with breathing tubes, feeding tubes, or ventilators.”

For a list of effective products to kill C. auris, click here.