At a glance
Fungal Disease Awareness Week (FDAW) 2023 occurred from September 18th to 22nd. Each year, CDC and partners use FDAW as an opportunity to raise awareness about fungal diseases and share ways reducing the impact of fungal diseases.
Importance of fungal disease awareness
Each year, CDC and partners dedicate FDAW to activities and outreach that encourage everyone to "Think Fungus." Several events in 2023 leading to FDAW demonstrated growing challenges, complexities, and impacts of fungal diseases. These included:
- An unprecedented outbreak of the fungal infection blastomycosis among employees in a papermill in Michigan.
- Newly published data showing sharp annual increases in Candida auris (C. auris) infections.
- A multinational outbreak of fungal meningitis linked to procedures performed under epidural anesthesia in Matamoros, Mexico.
However, news headlines are not necessary to "Think Fungus." Many people are affected by fungal diseases at different points in their lives.
In some parts of the United States and the world, it is difficult to avoid breathing in fungal spores that cause infections like:
- Histoplasmosis
- Blastomycosis
- Valley fever (Coccidioidomycosis)
Outreach resources
Fungal diseases are increasing worldwide, and signs suggest this trend will continue. Studies show that global temperature increases may allow environmental infectious fungi to grow in new areas that were previously too cold. Changes in the climate may also cause fungi to evolve, threatening the rise of new fungal infections. Some researchers believe climate change caused the emergence of the deadly fungus C. auris.
Despite all of this, healthcare providers often miss fungal diseases, at least initially. Misdiagnoses or delayed diagnoses can cost lives. Additionally, fungi that cause infections in people are more often becoming resistant to the limited antifungal medications available. This means it's more common that fungal diseases cannot be treated with medications designed to stop infections.
Daily themes
Each day of FDAW features a different fungal disease theme and ways people can help reduce the impact of fungal diseases. Daily webinars and interactive events hosted by CDC and partners give everyone a front row seat to hear from fungal disease experts.
Social media toolkit
Webinars
Antifungal Resistance: A Global Health Perspective
Note: To access video, please register with the WHO AMR Community Exchange
CDC and WHO webinar covering new research and surveillance methods and information on Candida auris, and antimicrobial-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus and dermatophyte infections.