The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now warning the public about a less-known but potentially severe threat: the spread of blastomycosis, a fungal illness, to new areas of the United States. Winter brings the typical worries about respiratory diseases.
A different concern arises from blastomycosis, a respiratory infection caused by the mold Blastomyces, unlike viruses such as COVID-19, the flu, or bacteria.
This mold, which grows in wet soil or decaying wood, emits minute fungal spores when disturbed.
These spores may cause blastomycosis if breathed in. Severe infections may impact the skin, bones, organs, and central nervous system, among other bodily components.
The dangers of blastomycosis are concerning according to a new CDC research. Patients with symptoms had hospitalization rates between 57 and 69 percent, and mortality rates between 4 and 22 percent.
Although there aren’t many documented instances in the United States, they are mostly found in the Midwest, the Mississippi and Ohio River basins, the Great Lakes, and the St. Lawrence River. However, new research indicates that the virus may be spreading.
With 10 to 40 occurrences per 100,000 people annually, Wisconsin now has the highest documented case rate, particularly in its northern counties. Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Wisconsin health agencies are keeping a close eye on the disease.
However, a new study suggests that Vermont may get infected and was published in the CDC’s journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. From 2011 to 2020, the state saw 1.8 patients per 100,000 people, ranking it second most behind Wisconsin.
The study’s primary author, Dr. Brian Borah, questioned conventional opinion on the geographic boundaries of blastomycosis and voiced concerns about the disease’s underestimate.
The report raises concerns regarding the infection’s actual spread by pointing out similarities, such as the infection’s frequency in the northernmost counties of Vermont.
Vermont Contemplates Adding Blastomycosis
In an attempt to improve monitoring, the Vermont Department of Health is now debating whether or not to include blastomycosis on its recognized illnesses list. Of Vermont’s fourteen counties, the survey also found that three north-central counties—Lamoille, Orleans, and Washington—reported the greatest number of instances. This emphasizes the need for even greater knowledge and alertness.
The symptoms of blastomycosis include fever, cough, shortness of breath, night sweats, muscle or joint pain, weight loss, chest, rib, or back pain, and extreme fatigue.
Skin lesions, unlike those of other diseases, may be protruding and ulcerating. However, diagnosis can be challenging, as symptoms may take up to four months to appear.
Experts, including Dr. Suzanne Gibbons-Burgener, advise seeking medical attention if symptoms persist, especially for those with weakened immune systems or underlying lung conditions, who are at a higher risk of severe illness. Misdiagnoses are common due to the similarity of symptoms to other lung infections.
The study additionally shows the connection between blastomycosis and climate, since the fungus prefers certain humidity, temperature, and nutrient levels to thrive.
Warmer months have a larger risk of exposure, therefore it’s advised to take precautions like wearing respiratory protection and minimizing activity in polluted regions.
Health experts suggest that more public and physician information is needed to enable prompt identification and adequate treatment in the event that blastomycosis poses a greater concern.
As our knowledge of this fungal illness develops, more study is necessary to fully understand its dynamics and lessen its negative effects on public health.