Deadly strain of airborne fungus spreading among healthy people and animals in U.S., scientists warn

A deadly strain of fungus is quietly spreading among animals and people in the U.S. and Canada, scientists have warned. The airborne Cryptococcus gattii usually only infects transplant and Aids patients and others with weak immune systems.

But researchers have raised concerns as the new strain is genetically different, meaning healthy people are at risk. Over the past 11 years there have been about 220 cases reported in British Columbia while since 2004, doctors in Washington and Oregon have reported about 50. Among the total 270 cases, 40 people have died from overwhelming infections of the lungs and brain.

However, researchers have suggested the bug is changing possibly due to climate change. Scientists are now warning C. gattii, which has been found in Western North America and the Canadian province of British Columbia, could spread further.

Edmond Byrnes of Duke University in North Carolina, who led the study which was published today, said: ‘This novel fungus is worrisome because it appears to be a threat to otherwise healthy people. The findings presented here document that the outbreak of C. gattii in Western North America is continuing to expand throughout this temperate region. Our findings suggest further expansion into neighbouring regions is likely to occur and aim to increase disease awareness in the region.’

The fungus is usually found in forests, on trees and in soil. Those who have got sick usually work in jobs such as forestry or construction. Symptoms - a cough lasting for weeks, sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, headache, fever, nighttime sweats and weight loss - usually take up to six months to develop after exposure.(Daily Mail)