Doctor Investigates Michigan Papermill Outbreak that Sickened Over 100
Climate change is enabling fungi to flourish, leading to an increase in infectious diseases, according to experts. Dr. Ian Hennessee, a fungal expert at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), warns that the United States could soon face a rise in new fungal infections that can cause severe health issues. DailyMail.com has learned that one of the most pressing threats is blastomycosis, a fungal infection caused by the blastomyces species. Additionally, Candida auris and coccidioides, the fungi responsible for causing serious health problems, are also on the rise.
Environmental Impact of Fungal Outbreaks
Dr. Hennessee has dedicated his career to researching fungi. He points out that many fungal diseases are often misdiagnosed and underreported, leading to severe health conditions. The Last of Us, a popular video game and television show, shed light on the impact of fungal outbreaks. Although the show may sensationalize the issue, the threat is real. Fungal diseases, including blastomycosis, are often not considered by clinicians as the primary cause of patients’ symptoms.
Increasing Incidence of Fungal Infections
Climate change is exacerbating the spread of fungal diseases, as warmer temperatures and humid conditions provide fungi with longer periods to thrive and spread their spores. For example, the fungus coccidioides, causing valley fever, thrives in hot desert environments that are becoming even hotter and drier due to climate change. Histoplasma, another fungal species, which causes histoplasmosis, thrives in wet soil, particularly on the East Coast, where increasing rainfall is creating a more favorable environment for the fungus to grow.
Valley fever, caused by coccidioides, has seen a drastic increase in cases in California, where infections have tripled over the past decade. Furthermore, the incidence of Candida auris has risen significantly in the United States. In 2022 alone, approximately 2,400 Americans were infected with Candida auris, compared to only 63 cases between 2013 and 2016.
Investigating the Michigan Papermill Outbreak
Dr. Hennessee was part of the team investigating a large blastomycosis outbreak at a Michigan paper mill last year. The outbreak affected over 100 individuals and resulted in one death. The investigators faced challenges in determining the source of the infection, as there was no single location where the blastomycosis cases were concentrated. It is suspected that a broad environmental exposure, potentially caused by spores blowing indoors, contributed to the outbreak.
The symptoms of blastomycosis can mimic pneumonia, making it difficult to diagnose. Flu-like symptoms are common initially, followed by the development of skin lesions, pneumonia, and in severe cases, neurological problems such as encephalitis or brain swelling. The fungus is primarily found in rotten wood and leaves.
Climate Change and Expansion of Fungal Diseases
Climate change has enabled the blastomyces fungus and other fungi to expand beyond their historically endemic ranges. In Vermont, a state where blastomycosis was not typically found, over 100 cases were detected recently. Warming temperatures and changing environmental conditions are providing favorable environments for the fungi to thrive.
Fungal diseases are a growing concern, with cases on the rise and drug resistance becoming a significant issue. For instance, Candida auris is highly transmissible and spreads rapidly in healthcare settings, posing a substantial threat.
Efforts in researching and combating fungal diseases are crucial in managing the public health threat they pose. Better diagnostic testing, environmental sampling, and drug development are needed to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these potentially life-threatening fungal infections.
Sources:
- Map shows deadly fungal disease spreading across the US
- CDC
- Deadly fungus with a high death rate
- Cases of Valley fever soaring in California
- Mother in Wisconsin dies from rapidly growing fungus
