OCHD reports increase in blastomycosis cases, shares prevention tips

ONEIDA COUNTY – The Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) this week announced that it has seen a recent uptick in blastomycosis cases in the area.

OCHD said health officials are asking the public to learn the symptoms of blastomycosis and ways to lower risk.

About blastomycosis

Blastomycosis, also known as “blasto,” is a fungal infection. The fungus lives in wet soil and in rotting wood or leaves.

“People can get sick when they breathe in tiny fungal spores in the air,” OCHD stated. “These spores can be released when soil is moved or disturbed.”

Risk may be higher in areas that are near rivers, lakes or swampy land, as well as places where soil is disturbed during gardening, hunting, hiking or other outdoor activities.

Symptoms

Blastomycosis symptoms usually start two to 15 weeks after a person breathes in the spores, according to OCHD. Some individuals may not have symptoms.

Early symptoms can feel like a cold or respiratory illness, including cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, joint pain and chest pain.

“Contact a doctor if these symptoms appear,” OCHD stated.

OCHD said people who smoke, have lung disease or have a weak immune system may have a higher risk of getting sick.

Blastomycosis does not spread from person to person.

Treatment

OCHD noted that it is not always possible to avoid blastomycosis.

“At this time, no test can detect the fungus in soil,” OCHD said. “You may be able to lower your risk by avoiding activities that disturb soil in wooded areas or near water and wearing a mask or respirator when digging or moving soil in higher-risk areas.”

Doctors treat blastomycosis with antifungal medicine.

“People usually take this medicine for several months,” OCHD explained. “Antibiotics do not treat blastomycosis.”

Blastomycosis in pets

Pets, especially dogs, can also get blastomycosis, according to OCHD. Dogs may have a higher risk because they often dig in soil and stay close to the ground.

Symptoms in pets may include skin sores; coughing or trouble breathing; limping with no clear injury; trouble seeing; and loss of appetite or weight loss.

“Contact a veterinarian right away if your pet shows these symptoms,” OCHD said.

Additional information

Learn more about blastomycosis through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (www.tinyurl.com/26rdxhfx) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov/blastomycosis/).