YUMA, Arizona (KYMA, KECY) – Drug-resistant bacteria are on the rise, what medical officials call opportunistic infections, and they’re very serious.

Despite the rising number of cases, Yuma remains in good health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report earlier this week warning that cases of Candida auris are now on the rise.

Fungi are resistant to drugs.

So far, 17 cases have been reported in Arizona, but none outside of Yuma County.

The Yuma Regional Medical Center shares with us the people most likely to be infected.

“This is mostly seen in hospitalized and nursing home patients, especially those who have been hospitalized with acute illness for some time or who have been admitted to the ICU with multiple catheters or devices in their body. ,” said Dr. Bharat Magu.

The neighboring state of California has reported 359 cases, and 30 countries around the world have reported cases.

“Specifically, this strain is currently endemic in 30 countries and may be endemic in many more. The challenge is that it is difficult to identify,” said Dr. Bharat Magu. .

Reports indicate that the largest cases are in Nevada, California, and Florida.

Despite the information, a Yuma local woman who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer is taking extra precautions by choosing to stay home as much as possible rather than going out.

“I try not to. I don’t have an immune system, so when I get sick, I get sick,” said cancer patient Tammy Cantu.

CDC will continue to work with local and state health officials to address emerging threats to public health.