More than 35 000 people die from antimicrobial-resistant infections in the EU/EEA each year, according to estimates presented in a new report released today. The estimated number of deaths in the report examines the years 2016-2020 and shows an increase from previous estimates. The health impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is comparable to that of influenza, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS combined.
Italy has reported an outbreak of Candida auris in the region of Liguria with at least 277 cases. The first C. auris case in Liguria was detected in one hospital in July 2019 and cases continued to occur sporadically in the same hospital.
This rapid risk assessment update appraises the risk for spread of C. auris in hospitals in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries
Due to its propensity to cause outbreaks and its antifungal resistance, C. auris poses a risk for patients in healthcare facilities in Europe. Difficulties with laboratory identification, combined with a lack of awareness of this new Candida species, might result in unnoticed outbreaks. There is a clear need to raise awareness in European healthcare facilities in order adapt laboratory testing strategies and implement enhanced control measures to prevent further hospital outbreaks.