Deadly tropical fungus settles in B.C.

November 23, 2004

Last Updated Tue, 23 Nov 2004 12:21:01 EST

VANCOUVER - A fungus usually found in tropical climates has been

linked to the deaths of at least three people on Vancouver Island,

raising concerns that climate change may be responsible.

The fungus, called Cryptococcus neoformans variety gattii, attacks

the central nervous system. The fungus is found in some decomposing

organic material in forests, on the leaves and bark of certain

exotic trees, and in some bird droppings.

FROM SEPT. 2, 2001: B.C. fungus outbreak prompts health warning

Researchers don't know how the tropical fungus got to B.C., or how

it survived Vancouver Island's temperate climate.

Changing weather patterns may be to blame by making the island more

suitable for the fungus, said Weaver, a climatologist at the

University of .

" It's warmed by .6 degrees, " said Weaver. " [it] may not sound like a

lot, but that means the summers are warmer and the winters are

wetter. "

Researchers at the University of British Columbia said the attack

rate is quite low and the illness remains rare. The infection can be

easily treated if it is caught early, said Dr. Bartlett of the

UBC School of Environmental Hygiene.

UBC postdoctoral researcher Kidd and her colleagues are taking

environmental samples on the mainland to track if the fungus spreads

throughout the province.

Their study appears in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the

National Academy of Sciences.

Public health authorities are watching closely and making sure

doctors know how to spot symptoms of infection, which include chest

pains, a stubborn cough, severe headaches, neck stiffness and

difficulty breathing.

Written by CBC News Online staff

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