Re: Public urged to avoid skin fungus

October 15, 2004

http://collie.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?

class=news & subclass=local & category=general%

20news & story_id=343229 & y=2004 & m=10

Outbreak of fungus in SW

Thursday, 14 October 2004

COLLIE has been part of an outbreak of an unusual fungal infection.

The Department of Health has warned the fungal infection

sporotrichosis has emerged with 11 cases in the South West this

year, including one in Collie.

South West Population Health Unit public health nurse Whittle

said the majority of people affected were gardeners who had contact

with hay or straw mulch.

" Sporadic cases of sporotrichosis occur throughout the South West

from time to time, but this year more people have been affected than

usual, " she said.

" Our investigation showed that some of those who contracted the

disease did so after contact with old mouldy straw that had been

stored out in the weather for some time. "

The fungal infection is usually first identified by a small lump at

the site where the fungus first enters the skin, usually on the

hand, arm or leg.

As the infection spreads a number of hard nodules may develop along

the line of the underlying lymphatic vessels in the limb.

These lesions may soften and ulcerate and are very slow to heal.

The initial lesion usually appears within three weeks of the time

the fungus enters the skin.

Ms Whittle said the fungus may enter the skin through small cuts and

scratches from handling baled straw hay, rose thorns, sharp bushes

or other organic material such as mushroom compost.

She said it was not spread from person to person.

" While the infection is curable, if left untreated it can enter the

bloodstream and have serious health effects, " she said.

" The treatment is long term and involves taking anti-fungal

medication, sometimes for up to four months, and there are potential

side effects. "

Fact sheets have been distributed to local hay and straw suppliers

advising on methods to reduce the risk of spreading the organism.

People concerned they might have sporotrichosis should see their

medical practitioner.

More information is available by contacting the South West

Population Health Unit on 9792 2500.

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--- In , " tigerpaw2c " <tigerpaw2C@n...>

wrote:

>

> http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200410/s1219915.htm

>

> Last Update: Thursday, October 14, 2004. 12:46pm (AEST)

> Public urged to avoid skin fungus

> The Western Australian Health Department has warned Margaret River

> residents, in the state's south-west, to be on the alert for a

rare

> skin fungus that is spreading through the region.

>

> In what is said to be Australia's worst outbreak, the area has

> reported 11 cases this year.

>

> The infectious disease is caused by contact with spores found on

> mouldy hay, mulch and other organic material, and causes painful

> lesions.

>

> The Health Department's Dr Shirley Bowden says farmers and

gardeners

> should cover up any cuts or abrasions to avoid infection.

>

> " One of the problems with it is that it's a disease that slowly

> grows and it stays there for a long time, and for that reason the

> treatment takes at least four to six months of an antibiotic anti-

> fungal treatment, " she said.

>

> " So prevention is always better than cure, but the treatment will

be

> successful, it just takes a lot of work to get rid of it. "

>

> Print Email

October 15, 2004