CDC Flags Sharp Rise In Rare, Often Deadly Brain Fungal Infection
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention flagged a sharp rise in infections from the brain-infecting fungus Cladophialophora bantiana in a report cited Friday, October 16, 2026.[1]
The agency said laboratory detections in U.S. tissue samples have climbed and warned clinicians to consider fungal causes when evaluating brain abscesses.[1] Between January 2009 and July 2026, labs identified 48 confirmed and one probable C. bantiana case across 21 states and the District of Columbia. Lab detections rose from 8.4 cases per 1,000 brain specimens during 2017-2023 to 26 cases per 1,000 specimens in 2025.
Most detections (88%) were in brain tissue and 12% were in lung tissue, with the largest totals reported in California (6), Florida (5), Texas (5) and Pennsylvania (4). The infection carries an estimated 60%-70% fatality rate, and about half of known cases occurred in people without known immune compromise.
The CDC called for systematic national reporting to track the threat and better inform diagnosis and treatment.[1] Because the fungus is rare and often fatal, faster reporting could help speed identification and care and potentially save lives.
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📌 Key Facts
- Between January 2009 and July 2026, 48 confirmed and one probable C. bantiana case were identified in U.S. tissue samples from 21 states and D.C.
- Lab detections rose from 8.4 cases per 1,000 brain specimens during 2017–2023 to 26 cases per 1,000 specimens in 2025.
- The infection carries an estimated 60%–70% fatality rate and about half of known cases occurred in people without known immune compromise.
- Most cases (88%) were found in brain tissue, with 12% in lung tissue, and states with the most detections included California (6), Florida (5), Texas (5) and Pennsylvania (4).
- The CDC report, cited on October 16, 2026, calls for systematic national reporting and urges clinicians to consider fungal causes in brain abscess cases.
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