5 reported cases of fungal disease at UK Chandler Hospital

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) — Five cases of a fungal disease have been reported at the University of Kentucky’s Chandler Hospital, UK officials said Tuesday afternoon.

The fungal disease, more specifically Candida auris, has been reported in five patients at the hospital.

All of the cases have been isolated to one floor.

Each patient is reported to have fungus on their skin, however, it’s not “causing an active infection and there are no active infections with Candida auris at UK HealthCare,” officials said.

The hospital said it’s monitoring the cases and working to contain and help prevent reoccurrence and transmission of the disease.

This fungal disease is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “an emerging pathogenic yeast that can cause invasive infections including bloodstream, respiratory tract, wound, and urinary tract infections. Individuals can carry Candida auris on their skin and may not have any symptoms. Often those who get it are already admitted to a health care facility with another serious illness or condition and may have risk factors such as mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, invasive medical devices and frequent health care encounters.”