For the Tomahawk Leader
LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) recently reminded the public that risk for blastomycosis increases during the spring.
“Blastomycosis (or “Blasto”) is an uncommon but potentially serious fungal infection that primarily affects the lungs,” LCHD said. “Although the risk of getting blastomycosis is low, every year there are individuals in Lincoln County who get blastomycosis.”
LCHD said the fungus that causes blastomycosis lives in moist soil with decaying wood and leaves. Wooded areas that are close to water are prime settings for the fungus to live. Only under exact conditions of humidity, temperature and nutrition can the fungus grow and produce spores that can be inhaled when soil is disturbed.
The weather during the spring and fall months makes these conditions more likely, LCHD said, noting that people are also spending more time outdoors during these times.
“It is important to know that blastomycosis typically does not occur until two to 15 weeks after exposure,” LCHD stated.
LCHD said blastomycosis symptoms can mimic other illnesses, like influenza or acute bacterial pneumonia, making it difficult to diagnose. Usually, blastomycosis symptoms resemble those of a lung infection, but it can affect other body systems, including your skin and bones.
Blastomycosis symptoms may include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest or back pain
- Feeling very tired
- Skin sores that may look crusted and growing in size
About half of people infected with blastomycosis will not have any symptoms, although people with a weakened immune system or a chronic illness are more likely to show symptoms. Risk increases when participating in outdoor activities like farming, clearing brush, construction, riding all-terrain vehicles, gardening, hiking, hunting and camping.
“If you are having these symptoms and think you may have blastomycosis, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider right away,” LCHD said. “People are usually treated with antifungal medicine. Early recognition and appropriate treatment can minimize illness. Although there are no formal recommendations to prevent blastomycosis, if you have a weakened immune system or are elderly, you may want to consider wearing a dust mask when taking part in activities in which the soil is disturbed or avoiding these activities all together.”
For more information, contact LCHD at 715-536-0307. More information is also available at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/blastomycosis.htm.