Killer Fungus Strikes Northeast; Are We in Danger?

News this Saturday Morning (April 24, 2010) tells of a Fungus spreading in the Pacific Northwest that is fatal, according to Reuters, in 25% of those infected. The treatable, but un-preventable strain of the Cryptococcus group, known as Cryptococcus Gattii has resulted in the deaths of 23 people, and appears to be spreading. Ordinarily, Cryptococcus Gattii is a danger only to those with compromised nervous systems, such as AIDS patients. This new strain has proven a potentially fatal threat to even healthy individuals.

The fungus is mostly likely to infect those who work outdoors, those in contact with soil, or who are involved with woodwork, or construction. The Cryptococcus Gattii spores are blown in the wind, and carried in the soil. They can be transported on the soles of shoes. Cats, dogs, and sheep, as well as humans are susceptible to the fungus which is linked to Douglas fir and Eucalyptus trees. Fortunately there is no passage of the disease from animals, nor from person to person. The fungal spores invade the lungs, where they multiply, then spread through the body.

A U.S. Government release indicates:
"The primary symptoms include prolonged coughing, night sweats, pneumonia and weight loss over a period of weeks. Meningitis can occur, which produces severe headaches. Treatment involves six to eight weeks of intravenous antifungal medications, such as amphotericin B, followed by up to six months of oral fluconazole."

According to one Julie Harris, with the Mycotic Diseases branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "This is a serious infection, but so far it's a rare infection."