MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – State officials say they are aware of a death linked with this past summer’s blastomycosis outbreak on the Little Wolf River near New London.
That’s according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, who also say that blastomycosis deaths are not reportable to the agency.
According to the latest numbers, there are 49 confirmed and 40 probable cases of blastomycosis. Officials believe that the exposure happened from Memorial Day weekend through at least July.
DHS says that blastomycosis is an uncommon, but potentially serious fungal infection that primarily affects the lungs.
The Centers for Disease Control says blastomycosis lives in soil and decaying organic matter, like leaves and wood. When the soil is disturbed, the fungal spores become airborne. Breathing in those spores can cause people to become ill.