In Escanaba, Michigan, health officials are probing an epidemic of a rare fungal infection among more than 90 paper mill workers.
On February 28, 2023, the Public Health Delta and Menominee Counties were notified of many atypical pneumonia infections in Escanaba Billerud Paper Mill employees. Since then, 19 confirmed cases and 74 suspected cases of Blastomycosis have been detected among mill workers. A probable case is someone who exhibits symptoms and a positive antigen or antibody test.
Case Count in Michigan
According to the CDC, there are only one or two cases per 100,000 persons each year in places where blastomycosis is a reportable illness. From 1990 to 2010, 1,216 people died as a result of the condition, according to one study.
Nineteen of the cases related to Escanaba Billerud Paper Mill have been verified by culture or microscopy, and the remaining 74 are likely, which means the person has blastomycosis symptoms and a positive antigen or antibody test, according to the health agency.
People can breathe in these small fungal spores, and while most will not become ill, others can develop symptoms such as a fever or cough between three weeks and three months later, according to the CDC.
Blastomycosis is not transmitted from person to person. It is treated with antifungal medicine, which must be taken for six months to a year, depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s overall health.
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What are the signs and symptoms of blastomycosis?
People who become ill as a result of Blastomyces may suffer the following symptoms:
- Cough (sometimes with blood)
- Fever
- Chest ache
- Having trouble breathing
- Sweating at night
- Fatigue
- Weight reduction
- Muscle pain
- Joint discomfort
Anyone having blastomycosis symptoms should see their doctor. There is no vaccination to prevent blastomycosis.
However, the disease can be treated with antifungal drugs prescribed by a doctor. Treatment should begin as soon as feasible upon diagnosis.
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