Blastomycosis in Afton, Minnesota

[Lisa]

Rare fungal disease hits handful of Afton residents - http://wkbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=6442311

AFTON, Minn. A rare fungal disease has sickened a handful of Afton residents in recent years -- and health experts say the soil is to blame.

Afton House Inn owner Gordy Jarvis is recovering from blastomycosis (blast-oh-my-SOH'-sis). He lost his voice when he got the disease -- and doctors say he faces five years of recovery.

Health experts say the disease doesn't pose a threat for most people -- but quick diagnosis and proper treatment are critical for those who have it.

The fungus that causes the disease lives in sandy, acidic soil enriched with decomposing organic debris, such as leaves.

Epidemiologist John Scheftel says people who work in wooded areas or at excavation sites in certain regions of Minnesota stand a greater chance of exposure to the fungus than others.

[Lisa]

Much longer story about Afton:

Rare illness hits handful of Afton residents
http://www.wctrib.com/ap/index.cfm?page=view&id=D8OQEVOG0&forumcomm_check_return