town man battling fungus infection

[Guest guest]

town man battling fungus infection

The Associated Press - Thursday, April 28, 2005

http://www.in-forum.com/ap/index.cfm?page=view & id=D89O4AQG1

FARGO, N.D.

A town man who has been hospitalized for two months with a

fungal infection is improving, his wife says.

" He's finally turned the corner to recovery, " Penny Lee said.

Lee has been hospitalized at MeritCare since late February,

after contracting blastomycosis, a fungal infection caused by

inhaling a fungus found in soil. He spent one month in a drug-

induced coma, but is now out of intensive care.

Lee, a shop foreman for a trucking company, inhaled the fungus while

in Texas picking up a truck for the company. His symptoms were

similar to influenza, bronchitis or pneumonia, and doctors in North

Dakota did not immediately realize what was making him sick.

" By the time they put the ventilator on all they could see was

fungus, " Penny Lee said.

Doctors say Lee likely will have to stay in the hospital for

another month, and it will be three to six months until he is back

to full strength.

" 'I'm coming home,' is what he says, " Penny Lee said.

___

Information from: The town Sun, http://www.jamestownsun.com