A common soil fungus sickened over 150 Michigan paper mill workers, killing one, in what is believed to be the largest such outbreak in U.S. history. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is still investigating the cause of the outbreak, which occurred at Escanaba’s Billerud Paper from November 2022 to May 2023.
The fungus, Blastomyces, is typically found in moist soil or decaying wood near rivers and lakes in the Midwest. However, the specific environmental factors that led to this outbreak are still unknown. The CDC surveyed 603 workers at the plant and found that about 20% of them likely had been infected with the fungus.
Symptoms reported by the infected workers include cough, shortness of breath, fever or chills, weight loss, fatigue, joint or bone pain, and muscle aches. While some people infected with Blastomyces remain asymptomatic, others experience severe pulmonary illness, including potentially fatal pneumonia.
The outbreak is significant because it highlights the potential for fungal diseases to occur in industrial settings. The CDC notes that blastomycosis can be treated with antifungal medication, but diagnostic and treatment delays are common due to clinical similarities with other respiratory infections.
In response to the outbreak, Billerud Paper took steps to improve ventilation and air quality at the mill. The company idled production for three weeks to upgrade filters and clean ventilation ductwork, and provided training for workers on potential hazards and safe practices.
The CDC is continuing to investigate the cause of the outbreak and provide guidance to industry leaders on preventing similar incidents in the future.
Source: https://eu.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/michigan/2025/01/02/escanaba-paper-mill-fungus-outbreak-report-billerud-cdc/77397961007