A Victorian man has been diagnosed with the deadly and uncommon fungal superbug Candida auris (or C. auris). The man in his 70s most likely contracted the infection while in a UK hospital, according to an article on the News.com website.
This is the first known case of C. auris in Victoria, Australia, prompting authorities to adopt a “search and destroy” approach to prevent an outbreak.
According to the health department, C. auris is transmitted via person-to-person contact and transmitted through medical equipment such as axillary thermometers. All infection control precautions are being taken in Vistoria and cleaning has been completed.
Outbreaks have occurred in more than 20 countries since the organism was discovered in 2009. Good hand hygiene and cleaning in healthcare facilities is essential because C. auris can live on surfaces for several weeks, the article said.
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