Actions in the Containment of a Candida Auris Outbreak in a Public Hospital in Minas Gerais

In epidemiological week 43 of 2024, the first case of Candida auris colonization was reported in a public hospital in the capital. Given the risk of dissemination of this multidrug-resistant, emerging fungus, which is difficult to control in healthcare settings, an institutional response was activated to coordinate strategic actions for surveillance, prevention, and control of the event. The objective of this study is to describe the coordinated response implemented following the notification of this public health event. Communication was immediately established among municipal and state surveillance authorities, hospital management, the reference laboratory, and technical-scientific support institutions. A detailed risk analysis was carried out based on evidence-based operational guidelines and national protocols. Recommended measures included: closure of the affected unit, temporary suspension of new admissions, reorganization of care workflows, reinforcement of contact precautions, staff training, and strengthening of biosafety practices, as well as recommending swabs for all patient contacts. Technical criteria were applied to determine when the environment could be considered controlled—an essential step for the safe and gradual withdrawal of emergency measures. The outbreak involved four colonized cases, and investigation revealed that the second case identified was actually the index case, with a history of prior hospitalization in Colombia. Genotyping analyses showed that the C. auris strain isolated was genetically and epidemiologically related to the strain circulating in the neighboring country. One patient died due to unrelated causes. Among the three patients discharged, two were residents of the municipality and were followed by Primary Care teams, ensuring continuation of home precautions, clinical follow-up, and post-discharge surveillance. These actions extended the containment barrier beyond the hospital, reducing the risk of further dissemination and strengthening territorial surveillance. The technical, coordinated, timely, and evidence-based response was decisive in containing the outbreak in its early phase and preventing its spread within the healthcare network.