The hit HBO show “The Last of Us” depicts a post-apocalyptic world where a mass fungal infection transforms people into zombies. While the show is meant to entertain, it has also raised awareness about the real threat of fungal infections to humanity. Just two weeks ago, the CDC raised the alarm about rising cases of a drug-resistant and potentially deadly fungus in U.S. healthcare facilities.  

Reports of patients infected with the fungus, Candida auris, nearly doubled in 2021, according to the CDC. The CDC has deemed Candida auris as a serious global threat because it is often resistant to multiple antifungal drugs, spreads easily in healthcare facilities, and can cause severe infections with high death rates. 

How common are fungal outbreaks?

Fungal disease outbreaks, which are when two or more people get sick from the same source, are rare, according to the CDC.  

Where are fungi found? 

Like bacteria or viruses, fungi can be found everywhere including on your skin and inside the body, as well as in the air and on surfaces. Of the millions of fungal species, only a few hundred can make people sick. Mold is a type of fungus commonly found in buildings.

What kinds of illnesses are related to fungal infections?

Fungi can cause many different types of illnesses, including:

• Asthma or allergies
• Rashes or infections on the skin and nails
• Pneumonia, with symptoms similar to the flu or tuberculosis
• Bloodstream infections
• Meningitis

Who is at risk of a fungal infection?

Anyone, even people who are otherwise healthy, can get a fungal infection. However, people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to infection when coming into contact with certain types of fungi.

How do you clean for fungal infections or outbreaks? 

Pathogenic fungi like Candida auris can spread through contact with contaminated environmental surfaces or equipment. Mister Kleen uses the same protocols in our Enhanced Kleen program for any fungal infections or outbreaks. Under the protocol, Mister Kleen’s professionally trained teams would use CDC-approved disinfectants to help curb the spread of infection.     

Do you have more questions about our Enhanced Kleen program or addressing the spread of fungi or mold in your facility? Mister Kleen, a leading provider of contract cleaning services to Commercial and High Security facilities since 1976, can help. Contact one of our specialists by clicking here to email us or call us at (703) 719-6900.