Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis is an infection caused by a fungus (Blastomyces) that grows most commonly in moist soil and decaying wood and leaves. The fungus grows in some parts of North America, including areas of Ontario, particularly in the north. When soil or the environment is disturbed during activities such as camping, hiking, digging, gardening, dirt/mountain biking, or during weather events such as floods, tiny fungal spores can be released into the air. People can become infected when they inhale these spores, with about half of these people going on to develop symptoms of blastomycosis. Symptoms usually develop between three weeks to three months following exposure and commonly include fever, cough, extreme tiredness, night sweats, muscle aches, and joint pain. The infection cannot be spread from one person to another. Some people, such as those with weakened immune systems and underlying health conditions, may develop severe illness requiring hospitalization and, in some cases, the infection can lead to death.