The Ontario Ministry of Health is enhancing provincial surveillance for Candida auris (C. auris). While C. auris infection is already a disease of public health significance, this update expands surveillance to include C. auris colonization.
From July 1 to December 31, 2026, public health units are required to report all cases of C. auris colonization to the Ministry of Health and Public Health Ontario. Health system partners are asked to support this effort by voluntarily reporting newly identified colonization cases to their local public health units.
Review the Ministry of Health memo for full details:
- Memorandum: Surveillance of Candida auris Colonization
- Note de service: Surveillance de la colonization par Candida auris
Reporting requirements
Health care providers should report all identified cases of C. auris colonization to Peel Public Health:
Phone: 905-799-7700, toll free 1-888-919-7800
Fax: 289-801-0257
Timely reporting supports improved surveillance, helps identify transmission risks, and informs regional infection prevention and control measures.
Clinical and public health considerations
C. auris is a multidrug-resistant organism that can colonize patients without causing symptoms. Colonized individuals can still transmit the organism, particularly in health care settings.
Enhanced surveillance of colonization will:
- Improve understanding of the burden of C. auris in Ontario
- Support early detection and response in health care settings
- Strengthen infection prevention and control efforts across the system
Patients at higher risk include:
- Patients in acute care or intensive care units
- Residents in long-term care or other congregate settings
- Immunocompromised individuals
Guidance for health care providers
Health care providers should:
- Apply appropriate infection prevention and control (IPAC) practices when caring for patients colonized with C. auris
- Follow Public Health Ontario and PIDAC guidance on screening and IPAC precautions
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