ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Public Health Delta and Menominee Counties reports no new cases of blastomycosis among those in contact with Escanaba’s Billerud Mill in the past week.
To date, there have been 118 cases identified among Billerud Paper Mill employees, contractors, and visitors. Of those cases, 14 have been hospitalized, and one death is association with this outbreak, as previously reported April 14,2023.
PHDM continues to work with Billerud, MDHHS, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the CSC to investigate the source of the infections.
PHDM believes all identified cases were exposed to the fungal spores prior to the mill temporarily idling April 13.
You can read the full press release from May 19, 2023 below:
Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties (PHDM) continues to work with Billerud Paper Mill, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate an outbreak of blastomycosis, a fungal infection, associated with the Escanaba Billerud Paper Mill.
There have been no additional cases of Blastomycosis reported to PHDM since May 5, 2023. To date, there have been a total of 118 cases of blastomycosis identified. Fourteen out of the 118 total cases have been hospitalized. All 118 of the cases are either employees, contractors or visitors of the Billerud Paper Mill in Escanaba. There has been one previously reported death associated with this outbreak.
Due to the lengthy incubation time (time from exposure to the fungus to the time one starts to show symptoms) for blastomycosis, it is likely all identified cases had an exposure prior to the mill idling operations. This incubation period can range from 21 to 90 days.
Blastomycosis is a disease associated with a fungus that grows in moist soil and decomposing matter such as wood and leaves. People can get blastomycosis infection by breathing in fungal spores from the air. Blastomycosis does not spread from person to person or between animals and people.
Those who do get sick can develop symptoms such as cough (sometimes with blood), fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, muscle aches, and joint pain. Any persons experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and discuss whether testing for blastomycosis is recommended. Blastomycosis is treatable with antifungal medicines, but it is important to get diagnosed early. Most people with blastomycosis will need treatment with prescription antifungal medication. Depending on the severity of the infection and the person’s immune status, the course of treatment can range from six months to one year.
For more information, please visit the NIOSH website at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/newsroom/alerts/blastomycosishhe.html
Or the Billerud website at: https://escanabamillinfo.com/
+++
May 12, 2023:
To date, there have been a total of 118 cases of blastomycosis identified. Fourteen out of the 118 total cases have been hospitalized. All 118 of the cases are either employees, contractors or visitors of the Billerud Paper Mill in Escanaba. There has been one previously reported death associated with this outbreak.
Although the number of cases has increased by three over the past week, this does not necessarily indicate that Blastomyces exposures are ongoing. Due to the lengthy incubation time (time from exposure to the fungus to the time one starts to show symptoms) for blastomycosis, it is likely all cases had an exposure prior to the mill idling operations. This incubation period can range from 21 to 90 days.
Blastomycosis is a disease associated with a fungus that grows in moist soil and decomposing matter such as wood and leaves. People can get blastomycosis infection by breathing in fungal spores from the air. Blastomycosis does not spread from person to person or between animals and people.
Those who do get sick can develop symptoms such as cough (sometimes with blood), fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, muscle aches, and joint pain. Any persons experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and discuss whether testing for blastomycosis is recommended. Blastomycosis is treatable with antifungal medicines, but it is important to get diagnosed early. Most people with blastomycosis will need treatment with prescription antifungal medication. Depending on the severity of the infection and the person’s immune status, the course of treatment can range from six months to one year.
+++
Six more cases of a fungal infection have been identified associated with the outbreak at Escanaba’s Billerud Paper Mill.
Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties reports the total number of cases since the outbreak began in late February is now 115. PHDM said 14 of those have been hospitalized, and one previously reported death is associated with the outbreak.
PHDM said the increase in cases in the past week doesn’t necessarily mean there are ongoing exposures. The health department believes all cases occurred prior to Billerud temporarily idling the mill on April 13.
You can read the full press release from May 5, 2023 here:
Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties continues to work with Billerud Paper Mill, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate an outbreak of blastomycosis, a fungal infection, associated with the Escanaba Billerud Paper Mill.
To date, there have been a total of 115 cases of blastomycosis identified. Fourteen out of the 115 total cases have been hospitalized. All 115 of the cases are either employees, contractors or visitors of the Billerud Paper Mill in Escanaba. There has been one previously reported death associated with this outbreak.
Although the number of cases has increased by 6 over the past week, this does not necessarily indicate that Blastomyces exposures are ongoing. Due to the lengthy incubation time (time from exposure to the fungus to the time one starts to show symptoms) for blastomycosis, it is likely all cases had an exposure prior to the mill idling operations. This incubation period can range from 21 to 90 days.
Blastomycosis is a disease associated with a fungus that grows in moist soil and decomposing matter such as wood and leaves. People can get blastomycosis infection by breathing in fungal spores from the air. Blastomycosis does not spread from person to person or between animals and people.
Those who do get sick can develop symptoms such as cough (sometimes with blood), fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, muscle aches, and joint pain. Any persons experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and discuss whether testing for blastomycosis is recommended. Blastomycosis is treatable with antifungal medicines, but it is important to get diagnosed early. Most people with blastomycosis will need treatment with prescription antifungal medication. Depending on the severity of the infection and the person’s immune status, the course of treatment can range from six months to one year.
For more information, please visit the NIOSH website at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/newsroom/alerts/blastomycosishhe.html
Or the Billerud website at: https://escanabamillinfo.com/
+++
April 28, 2023:
The number of blastomycosis cases among those in contact with the Billerud Paper Mill has increased to 109. That’s five additional cases in the past week.
Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties (PHDM) says the increase in cases “does not necessarily indicate blastomyces exposures are ongoing.” PHDM, Billerud, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the CDC continue to investigate the source of the outbreak.
Of the 109 cases to date, 13 have been hospitalized, and one death has been associated with the outbreak. PHDM says all cases are either employees, contractors, or visitors of the Billerud Paper Mill.
PHDM explains the incubation period, the time from exposure to the fungus to the time symptoms show, can range from 21 to 90 days. It is likely all cases had an exposure prior to the mill idling operations on April 13.
You can read the full press release from PHDM dated April 28, 2023 below:
Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties continues to work with Billerud Paper Mill, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate an outbreak of blastomycosis, a fungal infection, associated with the Escanaba Billerud Paper Mill.
To date, there have been a total of 109 cases of blastomycosis identified. Thirteen out of the 109 total cases have been hospitalized. All 109 of the cases are either employees, contractors or visitors of the Billerud Paper Mill in Escanaba. There has been one previously reported death associated with this outbreak.
Although the number of cases has increased by 5 over the past week, this does not necessarily indicate that Blastomyces exposures are ongoing. Due to the lengthy incubation time (time from exposure to the fungus to the time one starts to show symptoms) for blastomycosis, it is likely all cases had an exposure prior to the mill idling operations. This incubation period can range from 21 to 90 days.
“While we continue to see new cases testing positive for blastomycosis and being reported to Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties, we continue to see fewer new cases being reported each week and many of these cases have been showing signs and symptoms since March.” says Michael Snyder, Health Officer, PHDM.
Blastomycosis is a disease associated with a fungus that grows in moist soil and decomposing matter such as wood and leaves. People can get blastomycosis infection by breathing in fungal spores from the air. Blastomycosis does not spread from person to person or between animals and people.
Those who do get sick can develop symptoms such as cough (sometimes with blood), fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, muscle aches, and joint pain. Any persons experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and discuss whether testing for blastomycosis is recommended. Blastomycosis is treatable with antifungal medicines, but it is important to get diagnosed early. Most people with blastomycosis will need treatment with prescription antifungal medication. Depending on the severity of the infection and the person’s immune status, the course of treatment can range from six months to one year.
For more information, please visit the NIOSH website at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/newsroom/alerts/blastomycosishhe.html
Or the Billerud website at: https://escanabamillinfo.com/
+++
April 21, 2023:
The number of detected blastomycosis infections among employees and visitors of an Escanaba paper mill is increasing.
Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties (PHDM) reports a total of 104 cases, confirmed and probable, of the fungal infection stemming from Billerud Paper Mill.
PHDM will also no longer report confirmed and probable cases separately, as all reported cases have a blastomycosis diagnosis.
Of the 103 total cases, 13 have been hospitalized and one death has been associated with the outbreak. PHDM says all of the cases are either employees, contractors, or visitors of the Escanaba mill.
You can read the full press release from PHDM below:
Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties (PHDM) continues to work with Billerud Paper Mill, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate an outbreak of blastomycosis, a fungal infection, associated with the Escanaba Billerud Paper Mill.
To date, there have been a total of 104 cases (confirmed and probable) of blastomycosis identified. A confirmed case is a person with symptoms of blastomycosis and where the fungus has either been grown (culture) or seen by microscope in a test specimen. A probable case is a person with symptoms of blastomycosis and who has a positive antigen or antibody test. PHDM will no longer be reporting the number of confirmed and probable cases separately, as all reported cases have a blastomycosis diagnosis.
Thirteen out of the 104 total cases have been hospitalized. All 104 of the cases are either employees, contractors or visitors of the Billerud Paper Mill in Escanaba. There has been one previously reported death associated with this outbreak.
Blastomycosis is a disease associated with a fungus that grows in moist soil and decomposing matter such as wood and leaves. People can get blastomycosis infection by breathing in fungal spores from the air. Blastomycosis does not spread from person to person or between animals and people.
Those who do get sick can develop symptoms such as cough (sometimes with blood), fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, muscle aches, and joint pain. Any persons experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and discuss whether testing for blastomycosis is recommended. Blastomycosis is treatable with antifungal medicines, but it is important to get diagnosed early. Most people with blastomycosis will need treatment with prescription antifungal medication. Depending on the severity of the infection and the person’s immune status, the course of treatment can range from six months to one year.
For more information, please visit the NIOSH website at: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/newsroom/alerts/blastomycosishhe.html
Or the Billerud website at: https://escanabamillinfo.com/
+++
April 14, 2023:
One person has died from a blastomycosis infection, stemming from the Billerud Paper Mill, according to Public Health Delta and Menominee Counties.
PHDM says a contractor who worked at the mill died, but did not provide any other details.
PHDM says in addition to the one death, 12 out of 97 total cases have been hospitalized due to infection. To date, there have been 21 confirmed cases and 76 probable cases.
A confirmed case is a person with symptoms of blastomycosis and where the fungus has either been grown (culture) or seen by microscope in a test specimen.
PHDM says all 97 cases are either employees, contractors or visitors of the Billerud Paper Mill.
“We were saddened to hear this news. Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to the family, friends and co-workers who have lost their loved one,” Michael Snyder, Health Officer at PHDM, said in a statement.
You can read the full press release from April 14, 2023 below:
Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties (PHDM) continues to work with Billerud Paper Mill, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate an outbreak of blastomycosis, a fungal infection, associated with the Escanaba Billerud Paper Mill.
To date, there have been 21 confirmed cases of blastomycosis identified. A confirmed case is a person with symptoms of blastomycosis and where the fungus has either been grown (culture) or seen by microscope in a test specimen. In addition to the 21 confirmed cases, 76 people have been classified as probable cases. A probable case is a person with symptoms of blastomycosis and who has a positive antigen or antibody test. Twelve out of the 97 total cases have been hospitalized. All 97 of the cases are either employees, contractors or visitors of the Billerud Paper Mill in Escanaba.
Unfortunately, there has been one death associated with this outbreak. A contractor who worked at the mill passed away recently due to blastomycosis.
“We were saddened to hear this news. Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to the family, friends and co-workers who have lost their loved one,” said Michael Snyder, Health Officer at PHDM.
“Everyone at Billerud is deeply saddened by this news,” said Brian Peterson, Billerud Operations Vice President for the Escanaba Mill. “Anyone who works at our facility is part of our team, and we are keeping this individual, their family, coworkers and friends in our thoughts and close to our hearts.”
On Thursday, April 13, 2023 Billerud announced the temporary idling of the Escanaba Paper Mill to allow for additional cleaning of the facility based on recommendations from NIOSH. PHDM supports this action by Billerud.
Blastomycosis is a disease associated with a fungus that grows in moist soil and decomposing matter such as wood and leaves. People can get blastomycosis infection by breathing in fungal spores from the air. Blastomycosis does not spread from person to person or between animals and people.
Those who do get sick can develop symptoms such as cough (sometimes with blood), fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, muscle aches, and joint pain. Any persons experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and discuss whether testing for blastomycosis is recommended. Blastomycosis is treatable with antifungal medicines, but it is important to get diagnosed early. Most people with blastomycosis will need treatment with prescription antifungal medication. Depending on the severity of the infection and the person’s immune status, the course of treatment can range from six months to one year.
+++
March 24, 2023:
Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties reports 14 confirmed and 39 probable cases of a fungal infection in Billerud Paper Mill employees.
A number of employees tested for an infection known as blastomycosis, which is caused by breathing in the spores in decomposing wood or leaves. The first cases were reported in late February of this year.
On March 17, a total of 35 cases, confirmed and probable, were being investigated.
PHDM defines a confirmed case as a person with symptoms of blastomycosis, and where the fungus has either been grown (culture) or seen by microscope in a specimen. A probable case as a person with symptoms of blastomycosis and who has a positive antigen or antibody test.
You can read the full press release from March 24, 2023 below:
Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties (PHDM) continues to investigate an outbreak of blastomycosis associated with the Escanaba Billerud Paper Mill. To date, there have been 14 confirmed cases of blastomycosis, a fungal infection, identified. A confirmed case is a person with symptoms of blastomycosis and where the fungus has either been grown (culture) or seen by microscope in a specimen. An additional 39 people have been classified as probable cases. A probable case is a person with symptoms of blastomycosis and who has a positive antigen or antibody test.
At the request of Billerud, the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), an OSHA research agency, will perform a health hazard evaluation focused on studying the health and safety of Escanaba mill employees. A team of experts from NIOSH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and PHDM will perform a site visit to tour the mill and meet with members of management, the mill’s occupational health and safety team and union representatives. The evaluation is expected to continue after the onsite visit is complete, as the NIOSH team continues to analyze data and review case investigation information collected by PHDM.
Michael Snyder, Health Officer of PHDM said, “PHDM continues to interview cases identified by the healthcare providers. This information is being shared with MDHHS and NIOSH to aid in their health hazard evaluation.” These interviews assist in determining the approximate timeframe of when the exposure occurred, where the exposure occurred, and possibly how to prevent further exposures to additional individuals.
“The health and safety of our Escanaba employees remains our first priority,” said Brian Peterson, Operations Vice President, Billerud Escanaba Mill. “Though no causal link to our mill has been confirmed, we continue to take this matter very seriously. The addition of an independent review by NIOSH will deepen the investigation. We continue to work with OSHA, PHDM, and an industrial hygienist to determine common areas where affected employees have been. Across the facility, ventilation systems have been inspected, filters have been changed, and common areas have been deep cleaned.”
In addition to the onsite visits from NIOSH and the CDC, Billerud is providing OSHA-recommended N95 masks to all employees, contractors and visitors, along with information on how to properly wear the mask.
PHDM, Billerud and MDHHS continue to communicate daily regarding this investigation. “We will continue to closely communicate with local union leadership, state and local public health officials and our communities,” said Peterson.
Blastomycosis is a disease associated with a fungus that grows in moist soil and decomposing matter such as wood and leaves. People can get blastomycosis infection by breathing in fungal spores from the air. Blastomycosis does not spread from person to person or between animals and people.
Those who do get sick can develop symptoms such as cough (sometimes with blood), fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, muscle aches, and joint pain. Persons experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and discuss whether testing for blastomycosis is recommended.
While there currently is not a vaccine available to prevent the illness, blastomycosis can be treated with antifungal medications prescribed by a medical provider. Treatment is most effective when started as soon as possible after diagnosis by a healthcare provider.
The following tips may reduce a person’s risk of exposure:
· Wear personal protective equipment (facemasks or respirators, eye protection, and gloves) when engaging in higher risk activities
· Only move leaf litter when it is dry
· Avoid moving or digging soil on windy days
· Cover soil and yard materials
· Ensure water has adequate drainage and doesn’t pool near work areas
· Install walkways over wet areas to prevent walking through and disturbing muddy soil
A specific source of the Blastomyces fungus causing this outbreak has not been identified. Because the fungus is common in the environment in the UP, identifying a specific source of exposure can be difficult. Health officials are making every effort to identify any exposures common among the ill individuals.
PHDM and Billerud will continue to provide updates about cases at the Escanaba Mill and the community at large. Please contact PHDM with any questions by calling: (906) 786-4111.
+++
UPDATE: March 17, 2023
Another 20 cases of a fungal infection have been identified by public health officials among employees of an Escanaba paper mill.
Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties (PHDM) has identified a total of 35 cases of blastomycosis infections among Billerud Paper Mill employees. The first cases were reported on February 28, 2023. A total of 15 cases were being investigated by March 10, 2023.
In addition to the 35 total confirmed/probable cases, another nine are awaiting test results.
PHDM and Billerud leaders have not yet identified the direct cause of the infections.
You can read the full press release from March, 17, 2023 below:
On February 28, 2023, Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties (PHDM) was first notified of several atypical pneumonia infections in individuals employed at the Escanaba Billerud Paper Mill. To date, there have been thirty-five cases of blastomycosis identified (confirmed or probable) among mill workers and an additional nine cases that are awaiting test results.
PHDM, Billerud and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are communicating daily regarding this investigation. PHDM has interviewed the individuals identified by healthcare providers as having blastomycosis. These interviews assist in determining the approximate timeframe of when the exposure occurred, where the exposure occurred, and possibly how to prevent further exposures to additional individuals.
Blastomycosis is a disease associated with a fungus that grows in moist soil and decomposing matter, such as wood and leaves. People can get blastomycosis infection by breathing in fungal spores from the air. Blastomycosis does not spread from person to person or between animals and people. People at higher risk of contracting the disease include those who:
· Spend time near moist soil (by lakes and rivers)
· Participate in activities such as forestry work, hunting, and camping in wooded areas
· Are exposed to disturbed soil
“The health and safety of our Escanaba employees has been and continues to be our first priority,” said Brian Peterson, Operations Vice President, Billerud Escanaba Mill. “Though no causal link to our mill has been confirmed, we are taking this matter very seriously and have taken a number of proactive steps.”
Peterson said these steps include:
· Conducting extensive cleaning of common areas and inspecting ventilation systems and filters as well as testing raw materials coming into the mill, based on guidance from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA)
· Retention of an industrial hygienist to assist with the investigation
· Providing N95 masks to all employees, along with information on how to properly wear the mask
· Requesting the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) to perform a health hazard evaluation focused on studying Escanaba Mill employees’ health and safety as well as the wider community
“We will continue to closely communicate with local union leadership, state and local public health officials and our communities,” he added.
Michael Snyder, Health Officer of PHDM said, “While the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan is a known risk area for blastomycosis infection, it should be noted that these infections are exceedingly rare. Most people who breathe in blastomycosis will not get sick.”
Those who do get sick can develop symptoms such as cough (sometimes with blood), fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, muscle aches, and joint pain. Persons experiencing these symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
While there currently is not a vaccine available to prevent the illness, blastomycosis can be treated with antifungal medications prescribed by a medical provider. Treatment is most effective when started as soon as possible after diagnosis by a healthcare provider.
The following tips may reduce a person’s risk of exposure:
· Wear personal protective equipment (facemasks or respirators, eye protection, and gloves) when engaging in higher risk activities
· Only move leaf litter when it is dry
· Avoid moving or digging soil on windy days
· Cover soil and yard materials
· Ensure water has adequate drainage and doesn’t pool near work areas
· Install walkways over wet areas to prevent walking through and disturbing muddy soil
A specific source of the blastomyces fungus causing this outbreak has not been identified. Because the fungus is common in the environment in the UP, identifying a specific source or exposure can be difficult. Health officials are making every effort to identify any exposures common among the ill individuals.
PHDM and Billerud will continue to provide updates about cases at the Escanaba mill and the community at large. Please contact PHDM with any questions by calling: (906) 786-4111.
+++
Original story: March 10, 2023, 12:40 p.m.
Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties (PHDM) is investigating 15 cases of atypical pneumonia infections in employees at the Escanaba Billerud Paper Mill.
PHDM was first notified February 28, 2023 of “several” infections among Billerud employees. The symptoms in those individuals first began in January and February.
PHDM said the test results showed the infections may be caused by a fungal infection called blastomycosis. According to PHDM, it’s a fungal disease associated with a fungus that grow in moist soil and decomposing matter such as wood and leaves.
It is not contagious, as infections are caused by breathing in fungal spores. Treatment is said to be effective when started soon after symptoms begin.
PHDM said infections are “exceedingly rare.” An average of 26 cases annually have been reported across the state in the past five years.
WZMQ has reached out to Billerud for comment but has not received a response at this time.
The full press release from PHDM updated on March 9 is below:
On February 28, 2023, Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties (PHDM) was notified of several atypical pneumonia infections in individuals employed at the Escanaba Billerud Paper Mill. To date, there have been fifteen cases identified that are being investigated. The symptoms for these patients began in January and February of this year. Early testing has indicated that these infections may be caused by a fungal infection called blastomycosis. Additional testing to confirm these results may take a couple of weeks and is underway.
Blastomycosis is a fungal disease associated with a fungus that grows in moist soil and decomposing matter such as wood and leaves. People can get blastomycosis infection by breathing in fungal spores from the air. Blastomycosis does not spread from person to person or between animals and people. People who spend time near moist soil (by lakes and rivers); who participate in activities such as forestry work, hunting, and camping in wooded areas; and individuals exposed to disturbed soil may be at higher risk for getting blastomycosis.
These infections are exceedingly rare. On average over the past five years, only 26 cases have been reported for the entire State of Michigan annually. However, the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan is a known risk area for blastomycosis infection.
Most people who breathe in blastomycosis spores will not get sick. Those who do get sick can develop symptoms such as cough (sometimes with blood), fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, muscle aches, and joint pain. Symptoms usually appear between 3 weeks to 3 months after exposure.
Blastomycosis can be treated with antifungal medications prescribed by a medical provider. Treatment is especially effective when administration begins as soon after symptoms as possible.
Because the fungus that causes blastomycosis occurs in the environment, it is not possible to completely avoid being exposed. People with weakened immune systems may want to consider avoiding activities that involve disrupting soil in areas where blastomycosis is found. There is currently no vaccine available to prevent blastomycosis.
The following tips may reduce a person’s risk of exposure:
· Wear personal protective equipment (facemasks or respirators, eye protection, and gloves) when engaging in higher risk activities
· Only move leaf litter when it is dry
· Avoid moving or digging soil on windy days
· Cover soil and yard materials
· Ensure water has adequate drainage and doesn’t pool near work areas
· Install walkways over wet areas to prevent walking through and disturbing muddy soil
Health officials from PHDM and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services along with Billerud Paper Mill occupational health staff are working together to investigate this cluster of illness. Because the blastomyces fungus is common in the environment in the UP, identifying a specific source or exposure can be difficult. Health officials are making every effort to identify any exposures common among the ill individuals. Information and guidance have also been distributed to local medical providers to assist in the recognition and appropriate diagnosis of blastomycosis.
