A dangerous fungus is advancing in European hospitals. The cases are still limited in the Netherlands. “But we are worried about the rise of Candidozyma Auris, who does not seem to stop,” microbiologist Auke de Jong (RIVM) told NU.nl.
Candidozyma Auris is a rare fungus that can cause serious inflammation in people with a reduced defense. That is why the fungus is especially dangerous for people in the hospital. “He can become resistant very quickly and then he is very difficult to treat,” says De Jong. The fungus can also survive on medical equipment.
Unique to the fungus is that he is transferable from person to human, the microbiologist of the RIVM explains. “He can really cause outbreaks.” That is one of the reasons why the numbers in Europe rise. In some countries, the authorities can no longer keep the spread properly, the European Health Service ECDC warns Thursday.
Between 2013 and 2023, more than four thousand infections were established in the countries affiliated with the ECDC. 1,346 registrations were made in the last year, almost a third. That says something about the speed with which the numbers increase. According to the ECDC, the actual number of European cases is probably higher, because it is not continuously tested. In addition, doctors are not obliged to report infections.
In Spain, the fungus with 1,807 confirmed cases is the most common. This is followed by Greece (852), Italy (712) and Romania (404). In these countries it is about so many infections that health services can no longer distinguish between different outbreaks.
Eleven cases in the Netherlands in 2024
The numbers are lower in the Netherlands. Thirteen infections were reported between 2013 and 2023, of which six in 2023. In 2024 there were eleven. “So almost a doubling compared to 2023,” says De Jong.
According to De Jong, the fact that the numbers in the Netherlands are low is no reason to lean back. The increase in other European countries “also increases the chance that we will also get more cases in the Netherlands,” he warns. That is why it is important to stay alert.
The RIVM says the cases accurately monitors. For example, hospitals are asked to report infections and also to send a trunk of the fungus. This way RIVM can investigate where a patient has sustained the fungus.
So far, infected patients are taking the fungus from abroad. These types of patients are isolated early. “That seems to keep it under control,” says De Jong. “Fortunately, we don’t see that there is spreading from person to human within the Netherlands.”
A Dangerous Fungus is advancing in European Hospitals. In The Netherlands, The Cases Are Still Limited. “But we are Concerned about the rise of candidozyma Auris, which Seems Unstoppable,” Says Microbiologist Auke de Jong (RIVM) to NU.nl.
Candidozyma Auris is a strange fungus that can caus serious infections in people with reduced immunity. Therefore, the fungus is a special dangerous for people who are in The Hospital. “It can Become resistant very quickly and then it is very diffress to treat,” Says de Jong. The Fungus Can also Survive on Medical Equipment.
Unique to the fungus is that it is transmissible from person to person, explains the microbiologist from the rivm. “It can really cause outbreaks.” That is one of the reasons Why the Numbers Are Increasing in Europe. In Some Countries, Authorities Can No Longer Properly Track the Spread, The European Health Service ECDC Warned on Thursday.
Between 2013 and 2023, More than Four Thousand Infections Were Detected in the Countries Affiliated With The ECDC. 1,346 registrations were made in the last year, almost a third. That says something about the speed at which the Numbers are increasing. The Actual Number of European Cases is Likely Higher, Accordination to the ECDC, because testing is not continuous. In Addition, Doctors Are Not Required to Report Infections.
In Spain, The Fungus, Most Common With is 1,807 Confirmed Cases. This is followed by Greece (852), Italy (712) and Romania (404). In these country, there are so many infections that the health services can no longer distinguish between different outbreaks.
Eleven cases in the Netherlands in 2024
In The Netherlands, The Numbers Are Lower. Between 2013 and 2023, Thirteen Infections Were Reported, Six of which Were in 2023. In 2024, There Were Eleven Cases. “So Almost A Doubling Compared to 2023,” Says de Jong.
Accordance to de Jong, the fact that the Numbers are low in the Netherlands is no reason to sit back. The Increase in Other European Countries “Also Increases The Chance That We Will also Get More Cases in the Netherlands,” He Warns. That is why it is important to remain alert.
The Rivm Says It Monitors The Cases Closely. For Example, Hospitals are asked to report infections and also send in a strain of the fungus. This allows the rivm to investigate where a patient contracted the fungus.
So far, infected patients have brought the fungus with them from Abroad. These types of patients are isolated early. “That seems to keep it within limits for now,” Says de Jong. “Fortunately, we don’t see any spread from person to person within the Netherlands yet.”