# Why Dangerous Fungi Are on the Rise

> Dangerous fungi are spreading globally, causing deadly infections and evolving to evade treatments as climate change and medical advances create new vulnerabilities.
- Title: Why Dangerous Fungi Are on the Rise · TIME | Shortify
- Summary: Dangerous fungi are spreading globally, causing deadly infections and evolving to evade treatments as climate change and medical advances create new…
- Keywords: candida auris, fungal infections, climate change, antifungal resistance, immunocompromised, valley fever, sporothrix brasiliensis, cdc, fungal diseases, medical devices, urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections
- Source: TIME — https://time.com/article/2026/10/27/why-dangerous-fungi-are-on-the-rise
- Author: Dominique Mosbergen
- Published: 2026-10-27T18:15:07+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: candida auris, fungal infections, climate change, antifungal resistance, immunocompromised, valley fever, sporothrix brasiliensis, cdc, fungal diseases, medical devices, urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections
## 2015 Call from UK
Dr. Tom Chiller received a call from British officials about Candida auris causing deadly infections at a London hospital.
## Candida Auris Basics
Candida auris is a yeast that spreads easily, survives high temperatures, and resists antifungal drugs.
## Global Spread
Candida auris has sickened tens of thousands in over 80 countries and six continents since 2:015.
## CDC Priority
The CDC listed Candida auris as one of four top-priority drug-resistant pathogens requiring urgent action.
## High Mortality
Up to 60% of Candida auris infections result in death, with thousands of cases reported annually in the U.S.
## Climate Change Link
Rising global temperatures are driving fungal evolution and spread, creating conditions for deadly infections.
## Antifungal Resistance
Candida auris is highly resistant to antifungal drugs, with some cases being pan-resistant.
## Immunocompromised Risk
At least 7 million Americans are immunocompromised due to medical treatments, increasing fungal infection risks.
## Ryan Zwick's Case
Ryan Zwick, a 22-year-old nurse, developed a severe Candida auris infection after hospitalization for cardiac issues.
## Osteomyelitis Complications
Zwick developed bone infections requiring surgery and ongoing antifungal treatment for over two years.
## Vaginal Infections
Candida auris causes untreatable vaginal infections in otherwise healthy people, requiring IV antifungals.
## Urinary Tract Infections
Candida auris is causing untreatable urinary tract infections in people without medical devices.
## Sporothrix Spread
Sporothrix brasiliensis is spreading from Brazil to the U.S., causing disfiguring skin infections in people and animals.
## Climate-Driven Spread
Fungi are adapting to warmer temperatures, spreading to new regions and causing more severe infections.
## CDC's Response
The CDC is working with researchers to develop better tests and treatments for fungal infections.
## Valley Fever Cases
Valley fever affects up to 360,000 Americans yearly, with cases spreading to new regions.
## Future Threats
Fungi are evolving to become more virulent and resistant, with potential for widespread human impact.
## Key takeaway

Candida auris and other fungi are increasingly infecting people worldwide, with rising deaths and drug resistance linked to warming temperatures and weakened immune systems.