Local Health Officials Warning Residents of Blastomycosis Danger

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Local Health Officials Warning Residents of Blastomycosis Danger

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Posted: 4:18 PM Apr 13, 2009

Last Updated: 7:03 PM Apr 13, 2009

http://www.wsaw.com/home/headlines/42925527.html

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Local Health Officials have a warning for residents of Marathon and surrounding

counties this Monday.

Health experts say you should use caution while disturbing the ground when

gardening or walking your pets.

They say doing so can raise the risk of contracting a potentially serious fungal

infection know as Blastomycosis.

A public health worker says the infection develops when spores are inhaled and

take hold in the lungs.

Health workers say residents who have respiratory conditions should use special

caution.

Ruth Mark with the Marathon County Health Department says the fungus, which

grows in moist soil, can become airborne when the ground is disturbed.

Symptoms of blasto include muscle aches, night sweats and tightness in the

chest.

Officials say anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to the infection

should seek medical attention immediately.