plagues, pestilences, anti-christ in dc...Cryptococcus gattii: Deadly strain of fungus spreading in the US
by Terrence Aym
A deadly new superfungus invades America
An airborne superfungus that has been known to spread rapidly has crossed the border from Canada into the Pacific Northwest. Known scientifically as Cryptococcus gattii, the fungus is native to the tropics and indigenous to Papua New Guinea, Australia, and parts of South America.
Experts discovered its emergence in Oregon the worst possible way: the fungus killed 6 people.
Rising death rate
The new strain of fungus is deadlier than the one discovered in British Columbia during 1999. That one has killed approximately 9% of the people exposed to it; the Oregon variety has a mortality rate of 25% and that percentage may climb.
Now scientists worry that the creeping killer will invade northern California next.
Edmond Byrnes, a graduate student at the Joseph Heitman Lab at Duke University and an expert on Cryptococcus gattii, admits, "The alarming thing is that it's occurring in this region, it's affecting healthy people, and geographically it's been expanding."
The virulent fungus has the experts stymied—none can determine how it suddenly appeared in Oregon.
What is known is very disturbing. Normally, a deadly fungus attacks individuals with compromised immune systems, but the deaths in Oregon occurred with otherwise healthy people.
Not much can be done
The fungus emits microscopic spores that are carried by the wind. They can be inhaled and immediately lodge in the lungs (similar to anthrax), and once they take root there's not much that can be done.
The British Columbia Center for Disease Control states that, "There are no particular precautions that can be taken to avoid Cryptococcosis; you can, however, be alert for long lasting or severe symptoms and consult a physician for early diagnosis and treatment."
Livestock and pets are also at risk.
The symptoms of infection are marked by a chronic bad cough and extended periods of shortness of breath. According to medical experts familiar with the fungus, the symptoms will appear several months after exposure.
Doctors advise the public to be vigilant especially if walking or hiking in wooded areas where the fungi may have taken root on the bark of pines or forest debris. Veterinarians suggest people keep an eye on their pets for any signs of exposure.
In Atlanta, the Center for Disease Control has been reluctant to issue any warning. They are waiting to see if a larger segment of the population becomes affected or if the fungus creeps into California.
Byrnes, notes cryptically, "It's going to stick around—at least for the foreseeable future." |
