Tag

Blastomyces

All articles tagged with #blastomyces

health3 years ago•5 min saved

Fungal Outbreak Strikes Michigan Paper Mill Workers

At least 90 workers at a paper mill in Michigan's Upper Peninsula have been infected with blastomycosis, a rare fungal infection caused by breathing in the spores of the fungus blastomyces. The source of the outbreak is unknown, and symptoms may not emerge until up to three months after exposure. Federal health and occupational safety officials have advised the mill's owner to provide N95 masks for workers, curb unnecessary work outside the facility, and keep doors closed as much as possible. The mill is considering a $1.2 billion retooling that would shift production from paper to more lucrative packaging products.

via Bridge Michigan|

#blastomyces #fungus #health

health3 years ago•4 min saved

Michigan Paper Factory Hit by Blastomyces Fungal Outbreak Affecting Over 90 Workers

An outbreak of the rare fungus Blastomyces has infected nearly 100 people and hospitalized a dozen in Michigan, with the source believed to be linked to a paper factory. Blastomyces is a mold that can infect the lungs and cause a 'cold-like' illness, with severe cases spreading to other organs and triggering complications like encephalitis. The outbreak is believed to be the largest recorded in the US, with fungal infections becoming more common and a growing threat to humanity. Workers at the mill are now being asked to wear N95 masks and deep cleaning is underway to avoid disease spreading.

via Daily Mail|

#blastomyces #fungal-infection #health

health3 years ago•2 min saved

Rare Fungal Infection Strikes Wisconsin, Killing One and Hospitalizing Two.

A rare fungal infection caused by Blastomyces killed one person and hospitalized two in Wisconsin last year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has alerted doctors in the Midwest and South to be alert for the infection. Blastomyces infects around 6,700 Americans and kills 60 each year. The fungus causes a lung infection that can spread to other areas of the body. Fungal infections are becoming a major threat to public health, according to the World Health Organization.

via Daily Mail|

#blastomyces #cdc #fungal-infection

health3 years ago•3 min saved

Construction in Wisconsin linked to deadly fungal outbreak.

A rare outbreak of blastomycosis, a respiratory infection caused by the fungus Blastomyces, has been linked to construction in a Wisconsin neighborhood. The outbreak affected five pet dogs and four people, with one person dying. Blastomyces is often found in moist soil and decomposing organic matter, and can cause spores to get stirred up into the air when disturbed. Symptoms include cough, fever, and shortness of breath, and can be life-threatening for immunocompromised individuals. Residents are advised to limit activities that may disrupt the soil and vegetative matter in the outbreak area.

via Ars Technica|

#blastomyces #construction #fungal-outbreak