'Blasto' death sparks concerns in this area

“Since the disease is rare, people who stay in general good health do not need to worry much about infection”

The death of an Eagle River teen-ager, and a spike in infections here, has triggered new concerns over the rare fungal disease blastomycosis. via Antigo Daily Journal

[lost in a forest]

I'm devastated...again. There is more than "concern" in this area regarding blastomycosis. This disease is NOT rare in Vilas County. Simply do a "vilas county blastomycosis" search and see what turns up. Blasto is well known and well documented in this area. Learn about the different kinds of blasto... pulmonary, skin, in bones and other organs. Be vigilant! Be assertive!! Blasto presents in so many ways... varying symptoms and with an incubation period of up to 120 days (per my research). Learn all you can and know what to watch for and when to take action. I wouldn't panic, but it seems quite rational to me to go to the doctor and have a sputum sample tested or have a chest x-ray done. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Klessig family. We keep in mind our dear friend who is currently recovering from blasto. Something must be done immediately to prevent this senseless suffering and loss of life.

[hill12310]

my nephew 7 was dianognosed with blastomycosis in up MI. Last year it was thought to be a lung deformation at birth then cancer then a biospy revealed a mass on the left side and when the docters cut it out it spread to the other side. he spent two months in the hospital on a vent ect.. hes doing great today. but we always vac to the same spot in mi every year with no knowledge of the risk.People need to beaware in greatlakes regions there is also precautions you can take. wear gloves long sleeves mask if digging in affected areas. My heart goes out to them we need to educate about the dangers. i have done alot of research on this. and it affects the sick and elderly more than children people beaware of the danger i refuse to vac thier again the risk are to great you cannot seee the fungus.