1st for Louisiana: Drug-resistant fungus found at hospital

A hospital in New Orleans says it has identified two patients infected with a rare drug-resistant fungus

NEW ORLEANS -- A hospital in New Orleans says it has identified two patients infected with a rare, drug-resistant fungus — the first time it's been found in Louisiana.

Candida auris has already been found in Washington, D.C., and at least 20 other states including Georgia, Florida and Texas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The fungus is a harmful form of yeast that can be resistant to the most common antifungal drugs.

The CDC considers it an emerging global threat and says it is especially dangerous to hospital and nursing home patients with serious medical problems.