A fungal outbreak likely infected nearly 100 workers at a local paper mill in Michigan health officials say. The infection is known to be caused by fungi that live in soil and decaying wood, but at this time, the The source of the outbreak is not clear.
The disease is called fungal Mycosiswhich is named after blastomyces The fungus that causes He. She. People usually get infected by He breathes in the germs that have been kicked into the air, though only about half of them will develop symptoms. These symptoms are usually respiratory and include fever, cough, muscle aches, and fatigue. The infection can be treated with antifungals, but it can also be treated in people Those with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of severe blastomycosis, as the fungus travels outside the lungs and can cause life-threatening complications.
Delta and Menomine County Public Health officials become aware first of the outbreak in late February, after several employees at the Billerud Paper Mill in Escanaba, Michigan, Unusual cases of pneumonia appeared starting in January. From Last updated Last week, 19 confirmed cases of mill-associated mycosis were reported, while another 74 probable cases were found. About ten people were taken to the hospitalGerald Kell, president of the local 21 United Steelworkers union, Tell Detroit Free Press last week.
This seems to be One of the largest documented outbreaks of mycosis within the state in some time. The fungus lives throughout the eastern half of the United States, but is most commonly found in Midwest, South Central, and Southeast states. Over the past five years, only 26 cases of mycosis have been reported annually in Michigan, according to health officials. Having said that, the state’s Upper Peninsula—where the town’s mill is located—is known to have been Hot spot for fungi in the past.
currentlyIt’s the United NationsHe knows how many people in the factory were exposed to the fungus or whether the immediate danger has passed.
“The health and safety of our employees at Escanaba is our number one priority,” said Brian Peterson.perationsice pA resident of Billerud Escanaba’s mill, in a statement from health officials. “Although the source of infection has not been identified, we continue to take this matter very seriously, follow the recommendations of health and government officials, and implement many proactive steps to protect the health and safety of our employees, contractors, and visitors.”