Healthy people are not at risk from the infection, but those with weak immune systems - or using medical devices like ventilators or catheters - can suffer severe illness or die. Many US patients are in hospitals and elderly care homes.
The majority of cases tested in the US have proved immune to anti-fungal treatment.
Health officials here said: “Infections from Candida auris occur mainly in patients who have spent a long time in aged residential homes or hospitals and have invasive medical devices entering their body such as intravenous lines, urinary catheters, or have previously received some antibiotics or other anti-fungal medicines.
“Hospitals in New Zealand currently have good infection prevention and control measures in place to minimise spread, including guidelines for healthcare workers on preventing infections when inserting medical devices.”
Symptoms of the fungal infection vary depending on the infected part of the body, but common signs include persistent fever and chills.
The American Centre for Disease Control says Candida auris presents a serious global health threat.
If you or a whānau member has recently spent time in a hospital overseas and have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or your iwi health provider, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.
If you or anyone in your whānau is seriously ill, call 111 for emergency help.
