Experts: No need to panic over new fungus

A recently detected drug-resistant fungus in China, Candida auris, is not likely to cause an epidemic in China, said a leading expert, so the public shouldn't panic.

"Studies show that the chances of infection by the fungus are very low. It only infects patients with weak immune systems, such as cancer patients after chemotherapy or patients who have undergone organ transplants," said Xiao Yonghong, a professor specializing in infectious diseases at First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. "Efforts for control and prevention of the fungus should be focused on patients with low immunity."

Xiao, who is also a member of a committee of experts that advises the National Health Commission, said that compared with some other drug-resistant organisms Candida auris is not the most serious health threat, but it deserves attention because it's relatively new and not enough is known about it.