Every year , more than one million people die from fungal infections globally . There are more than five million types of fungi, but only three major groups cause the majority of deaths in people Despite this , there are no vaccines available . Those with compromised immune symptoms are particularly susceptible to more serious fungal infections , with a new strain of Candida auris , a potentially serious fungal infection , currently affecting 40 patients in a south - east England hospital . A representative of Public Health England said : " We need to make the healthcare system aware of it as [ doctors ] now need to identify the strains of Candida that require a more proactive approach " .
Every year , more than one million people die from fungal infections globally . Despite this , there are no vaccines available . Those with compromised immune symptoms are particularly susceptible to more serious fungal infections , with a new strain of Candida auris , a potentially serious fungal infection , currently affecting 40 patients in a south - east England hospital . A representative of Public Health England said : " We need to make the healthcare system aware of it as [ doctors ] now need to identify the strains of Candida that require a more proactive approach " .