WAUPACA/OUTAGAMIE COUNTIES, WI (WTAQ) – There’s a hope that a medical crisis known as blastomycosis doesn’t repeat itself this summer.
Last year one person died. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says blastomycosis cases are reported throughout the year across the state but so far, there haven’t been any outbreaks in 2016.
Last year’s outbreak happened in the Little Wolf River near New London and the State says it had 51 confirmed blastomycosis cases.
Blastomycosis is an infection and according to the Centers for Disease control the fungus lives in the environment like moist soil.
The Waupaca County Department of Health and Human Services says the fungus can be found in lakes or rivers.
Jed Wohlt is with the Waupaca County Public Health and Human Services.
“Be aware that it’s out there. There’s always a potential you could come into contact with it but as long as you’re not disturbing the soil and the leaves and the brush, along the riverbanks, you’re going to reduce your risk of exposure”
The symptoms of blastomycosis can include cough, chills, fever and muscle aches.
