Rare fungal outbreak in Michigan suspected to affect nearly 100 paper mill workers

Michigan health officials are investigating nearly 100 potential cases of a fungal infection at a paper mill in the state after employees developed unusual pneumonia symptoms about a month ago.

To date, at least 19 cases of blastomycosis, a fungal infection, have been confirmed and 74 more are suspected. The investigation began after 15 employees at the Escanaba Billerud Paper Mill appeared to be sick, with no clearly identified source for the infection, but with pneumonia ruled out.

“Although the source of the infection has not been established, we continue to take this matter very seriously and are following recommendations from health and government officials and implementing numerous, proactive steps to protect the health and safety of our employees, contractors and visitors,” said Brian Peterson, Vice President of Operations at the mill.

Blastomycosis is an illness linked to a fungus that grows in moist soil and decomposing organic matter. Humans can be infected by breathing in fungal spores from the air, but it is not contagious from person to person. The fungal infection is commonly found in the areas around the Great Lakes and along the Ohio, Mississippi, and Saint Lawrence rivers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The county health department is overseeing the investigation into the fungal outbreak, and symptoms of blastomycosis include cough, fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, muscle aches, and joint pain. In some cases, the infection can spread and become septic.

The paper mill employs more than 800 people and can produce approximately 730,000 tons of paper annually, according to its website.

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