Lincoln County Health Department would like to remind community members that risk for blastomycosis increases during the spring. Blastomycosis (or “Blasto”) is an uncommon, but potentially serious fungal infection that primarily affects the lungs. Although the risk of getting blastomycosis is low, every year there are individuals in Lincoln County who get blastomycosis.
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. People are also spending more time outdoors during these times.
It is important to know that blastomycosis typically does not occur until 2-15 weeks after exposure. Symptoms can mimic other illnesses like influenza or acute bacterial pneumonia making it difficult to diagnosis. 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 will not have any symptoms. People with a weakened immune system or a chronic illness are more likely to show symptoms. Your risk increases if you participate 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. 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.
If you have questions or concerns contact Lincoln County Health Department at 715-536-0307. More information is also available at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/blastomycosis.htm.