BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – A rare fungal infection that is known primarily in the upper Midwest and the Southeast is now showing up in Vermont, according to a new study.
Blastomycosis is a potentially fatal disease caused by fungi found in moist soil and decaying organic matter like wood and leaves. Research suggests it’s always been here but the symptoms of infection often mirror illnesses like pneumonia.
“Patients are definitely urged to go back to their provider if they’ve been diagnosed with pneumonia, have been treated with antibiotics, but aren’t getting better,” said the Vermont Health Department’s Dr. Natalie Kwit, who co-authored a new study in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Anyone is at risk of getting infected but people at higher risk of serious illness are those with weakened immune systems and those who are pregnant. It’s treated with anti-fungal medications.
Darren Perron spoke with Kwit about her research.