FREE CONSULTATION - CALL NOW!

212-LAWYERS or (212) 344-1000

Potentially fatal fungal infections plague hospitals around New York

Fungal infections are spreading through hospitals across New York at an alarming rate.

A particularly nasty strain of fungal infection has been spreading across hospitals throughout New York and New Jersey, sickening patients and frustrating public health authorities. Infections of Candida Auris, a common fungus, first appeared in Japan back in 2009, and traveled to three continents since then. Cases started appearing in the U.S. last year, and since that time, nearly 100 patients have acquired them. The majority of the infections – over 85 percent – are concentrated in New York and New Jersey facilities.

Unlike traditional yeast and fungal infections, though, C. Auris (as its commonly known), is particularly hard to eradicate because it is resistant to most of the widely used anti-fungal medications. It spreads rapidly through the body and bloodstream, often introduced through vein catheters placed after surgery and during long-term convalescence. These patients are already at risk because their immune systems are compromised. Add in a virulent strain of infection that has the ability to kill about half the people who contract it, and their bodies can be overwhelmed.

Consequences of hospital-acquired infections

Even if hospitals follow proper cleanliness and disinfection protocols, it is possible for C. Auris and other infections to spread from patient to patient. They are sometimes spread through equipment like endoscopes (a major outbreak of endoscope-spread superbugs affected hospitals across the West Coast several years ago), by staffers who pick up spores on their clothes while attending patients, through ventilation systems and by other means.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautions hospitals and medical facilities to actively take steps to prevent hospital-acquired infections, particularly among patients in intensive care units and long-term convalescence. It is important for patients to understand the potential risks and symptoms; the earliest possible treatment for a hospital-acquired infection is key to the best chance of recovery.

  • These bugs can cause everything from mild skin rashes to ear infections, fungal pneumonia and sepsis.
  • Central venous catheters (sometimes called “central lines”) increase the risk of fungal and viral infections. These tubes are placed in patients who need intravenous fluids or nutrition. Their placement unfortunately increases the risk of the infection spreading through the bloodstream.
  • Open wounds, cuts, scrapes and burns are more susceptible to infection than closed or wrapped wounds. Some wounds are left open to encourage healing, but that comes with its own risks.
  • Intensive care unit stays come with a higher risk for C. Auris and Aspergillis infections. An ICU in Britain recently made news because it closed its doors after persistent fungal infections spread from patient to patient. The unit closed and exhaustively cleaned to eradicate the issue.
  • Surgery sites are common entry points for disease. Many post-surgical infections are viral, but fungal infections also affect patients.
  • Ongoing construction or rehabilitation at a hospital increases the chance of fungal infections; construction activity stirs up once-dormant spores.

As you can see, the circumstances in which you can contract fungal or viral infections in a hospital setting are numerous. If the facility doesn’t take infection prevention protocols seriously, infections are likely. This can be a tell-tale sign of medical malpractice or lax system-wide cleanliness procedures.

If you or someone you love has suffered a serious infection while hospitalized, you may have a legal claim. Contact an experienced medical negligence attorney like those at the New York City law firm of Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They’ve successfully helped thousands of injured clients collect compensation. Call them toll free today at 212-344-1000 or contact them online to schedule a free consultation.

NYC Personal Injury lawyer - RMFW Law Logo Inverted

Get a Free Consultation

No Win No Fee
April Johnson
April Johnson
15:54 30 Jun 23
Easy access to thr firm with a very nice Lawyer
Benjamin Roussey
Benjamin Roussey
19:03 29 Jun 23
No firm gets it done like RMFW. They are the best.They are awesome - for sure.
Roberto Martinez
Roberto Martinez
19:02 24 May 23
I’ve been in the personal injury field as an investigator for 29 years. All in New York City. Out of all the hundreds of Law Firms I’ve worked with, Rosenberg Minc Falkoff & Wolf, would have to be at the very top of my list. Amazing staff great attorneys.If you want the job done right, these are you guys.
Julio Ochoa
Julio Ochoa
20:49 18 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP for their outstanding assistance in obtaining a settlement for an Erb's Palsy birth injury case. Their knowledge, dedication, and compassionate attitude were important in attaining a successful end. Their professionalism and assistance were simply outstanding from beginning to end. I am deeply thankful for their representation and would enthusiastically recommend them to anyone seeking justice in a similar situation.
Aisha Neri
Aisha Neri
20:29 18 May 23
I recently had the privilege of working with Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP on my daughter’s birth injury case involving Erb's Palsy, and I cannot express enough gratitude for their exceptional legal services. From the initial consultation to the successful settlement, they demonstrated profound expertise, unwavering dedication, and genuine compassion for my family's situation.From the very beginning, the team proved their commitment to justice. They thoroughly investigated the circumstances surrounding my child Erb's Palsy birth injury, leaving no stone unturned. Their extensive knowledge and understanding of medical malpractice law, coupled with their deep expertise in birth injury cases, provided us with tremendous confidence in their ability to handle our case.The attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff consistently displayed exceptional professionalism and attention to detail throughout the entire legal process. They meticulously gathered evidence, consulted with medical experts, and built a compelling case that clearly outlined the negligence and liability on the part of the medical professionals involved. One aspect that truly stood out was the genuine care and compassion exhibited by Daniel Minc, Lorraine Licul, and the entire team at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. They treated us not just as clients but as individuals with unique emotions and concerns. They took the time to listen attentively to our worries, provided constant updates on the progress of our case, and promptly responded to our inquiries, ensuring we felt supported and reassured throughout the process. Their empathy and understanding made an immeasurable difference during such a challenging and emotionally taxing time.When it came time to negotiate a settlement, Daniel Minc demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity. He fought fiercely on our behalf, advocating for fair compensation to cover any potential long-term effects of Erb's Palsy on my child's life. His negotiation skills were truly impressive, as they secured a settlement that exceeded our expectations and provided the financial resources necessary to support my child's future needs.I cannot recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff highly enough to anyone seeking legal representation in Erb's Palsy birth injury cases or any other medical malpractice matters. Their extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and empathetic approach make them an exceptional choice for families navigating the complexities of birth injury litigation. Thanks to Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, my family now has the means to provide the best care and opportunities for my child's future.If you are seeking a law firm that combines legal expertise with genuine compassion, look no further than Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They will tirelessly fight for your rights and ensure your voice is heard, providing you with the support and justice you deserve.
Aoki R
Aoki R
17:14 17 May 23
I highly recommend Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff, LLP. They are a team of dedicated professionals fully committed to their clients. I have witnessed the firm's amazing work ethic in my experience with their attorneys and Lorraine Licul. Lorraine is a knowledable, empathetic and results-driven professional. Minc is an excellent attorney and I greatly appreciate the firm's expertise.
Michael Levites
Michael Levites
17:42 12 May 23
I have recommended this firm to some of my friends and I heard back only positive feedback about the client responsiveness, diligence and hard work put in by these attorneys. I will continue to refer anyone who suffered a personal injury to Rosenberg Minc..
See All Reviews
js_loader