For the Tomahawk Leader
LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) this week provided information on blastomycosis, an “uncommon, but potentially serious fungal infection.”
LCHD said blastomycosis “primarily affects the lungs, and is caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis.”
“Although the risk of getting blastomycosis is low, every year there are individuals in Lincoln County who get blastomycosis,” LCHD stated. “Lincoln County has historically had higher rates of blastomycosis than other areas in Wisconsin. It is important that all residents are aware of signs and symptoms.”
How do you get blastomycosis?
The fungus that causes blastomycosis lives in moist soil, rotting wood and leaves.
“These conditions are commonly found near lakes and rivers,” LCHD said. “Blastomycosis develops when a person breathes in fungal spores. This usually happens when a person disturbs the soil in which the fungus is found through digging, hunting, gardening, excavating, and brush clearing.”
Blastomycosis is not spread from person to person.
What are the symptoms of blastomycosis?
LCHD said illness can occur two to 15 weeks after breathing in the fungal spores.
“Most people do not get sick,” LCHD stated. “However, those who do get ill have symptoms similar to other lung infections.”
Symptoms include fever, cough, night sweats, muscle aches, joint pain, weight loss, chest pain and extreme tiredness.
“In some people, particularly those who have weakened immune systems, blastomycosis can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, such as the skin, bones and joints, and the brain and spinal cord,” LCHD said.
Who gets blastomycosis?
LCHD said anyone can get blastomycosis, but only about 50% of the people who are exposed to the fungus will develop symptoms. People who smoke, have lung disease, or have weakened immune systems are more likely to become sick, and people who spend a lot of time outdoors in areas with moist soil containing rotting leaves and wood may be at a higher risk.
“If you are having these symptoms and think you may have blastomycosis, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider,” LCHD said. “Most people with blastomycosis will need treatment with prescription antifungal medication.”
For more information on blastomycosis, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) website at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/blastomycosis.htm.
To learn more about LCHD’s programs and services, visit www.lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com or find the department on Facebook.