A fungus among us: Get the dirt on blastomycosis in Wisconsin

Apr 13, 2015

Spring, summer, fall … if you’re heading into the garden, camping, fishing, hunting or doing yard cleanup you need to know about blasto.

Blasto, also known as blastomycosis, is a fungal infection. While rare in much of the U.S., it’s fairly common in northern Wisconsin including much of the state covered by Marshfield Clinic Health System. And, it can cause serious illness if not treated appropriately.

Who’s at risk for blasto?

Anyone who farms, camps, landscapes, hikes or does anything that stirs up the soil is at risk. If you develop pneumonia and think you were exposed to blasto, let your doctor, or an infectious disease specialist, know.

Blastomycosis symptoms

Symptoms include:

Dry cough, sometimes with chest pain
Lung infection (pneumonia) with fever
Weight loss
Shortness of breath
Joint pain
Unusual skin sores
Body aches

Get the basics on blasto below in this handy graphic.

Blastomycosis infographic

15 responses to “A fungus among us: Get the dirt on blastomycosis in Wisconsin”

Lisa Bouras

Mar 2, 2022

I have 2 dogs with Blastomycosis right now. My female, 1 1/2 yrs old, was very lethargic, no appetite, her snout swelled up, a lymph node swelled on her face and she limped. The first month I had Covid so I thought she was being sympathetic. After I was cleared I took her to the vet. Her lungs were full and she tested positive for a tic disease called anaplasmosis. The vet started treating her with medication for pneumonia the tic disease. The next month she was tested for the Blasto due to not getting better. She tested positive. My 3 yrs old pup is A symptomatic. but still tested positive for the Blasto after my other dog tested positive. They are both on the med Fluconazole. I was told this will take 6 months to a year. Regular blood test to check the kidneys from the high dose and length of the medication with blasto urine test ever 3 months. They contracted Blastomycosis in Shawano County Wisconsin. I believe from the Embarrass River that buts up to our land.

Reply
greg

Oct 17, 2020

Sue B, very glad to hear your dog recovered. We have a recreational property in Marathon County on Lake DuBay just south of Knowlton. We lost our previous dog to Blasto in Spring of 2019 and have now been informed that our new 1-yr old dog which we rescued in February of 2020 has tested positive as well. Of course, both dogs loved to roam the property, jump in the lake, etc. Is there any advice for property owners with respect to dog activities?

Reply
Annie

Aug 22, 2020

Are there any precautions that people can take if they do a lot of work outside? (A friend of mine got blasto a while ago, developed ARDS, and nearly died.)

Reply
1. Jacob Zipperer
  
  Aug 24, 2020
  
  Hello Annie,
  
  The CDC notes that 'There is no vaccine to prevent blastomycosis, and it may not be possible to completely avoid being exposed to the fungus that causes blastomycosis in areas where it is common in the environment. People who have weakened immune systems may want to consider avoiding activities that involve disrupting soil in these areas.'
  
  Here is the link if you would like to read more: https://www.cdc.gov/blastomycosis/risk-factors/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/blastomycosis/risk-prevention.html
  
  Thanks,
  Jake
  
  Reply
Frankie Luman

Oct 4, 2019

A motivating discussion is definitely worth comment. I do think that you need to write more on this topic, it may not be a taboo matter but usually folks don't discuss such topics. To the next! All the best!!

Reply
joni

Feb 7, 2017

I ended up with Blastomycosis this pay fall. Living in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Dr's assumed it was phenomia .I almost died, my left lung was filled with fluids. We are not informed of this fungus, as we should be.

Reply
1. Kirsten Shakal, Shine365 Editor
  
  Feb 7, 2017
  
  Thank you for sharing your story, Joni. That is a scary experience. -Kirstie
  
  Reply
Clifford Reigel

May 15, 2015

Thanks for the information on "Blasto"

Reply
1. Jake Miller
  
  May 15, 2015
  
  You're welcome. Hope you find it useful.
  
  Take care,
  
  Jake, Editor
  
  Reply
Joseph Crapitto

May 14, 2015

We have lost four dogs with Blastomycosis and they will died quickly if not diagnosed and treated properly.
I also had Histomycosis years ago which attack my lungs much like Blastomycosis. So yes, Blastomycosis as a very real and serious disease not to be taken lightly.

Reply
1. jenny
  
  Jun 22, 2015
  
  What are the early signs your dogs had?
  
  Reply
  1. Jake Miller
    
    Jun 22, 2015
    
    Hi, Jenny,
    I spoke with Jennifer Meece, an expert on blasto and tick-borne illnesses in our research foundation. She said symptoms include: respiratory problems (I.e. Pneumonia), lethargy, aches, febrile, joint pain, loss of appetite, and may cause skin and eye problems.
    
    It's also tick season and some if these symptoms look like tick-borne diseases (anaplasmosis or Lyme disease). She said a vet visit may be in order regarding such symptoms and depending on where a person lives, they could mention these to their veterinarian.
    
    Thanks,
    Jake, Shine365 editor
  2. Sue Burge
    
    Jan 3, 2016
    
    Our dog had blasto 4 years ago. He started with cough which is why I took him to vet. I had no knowledge of blasto but we were very lucky we took him in when we did. He had a temp of 104 and became very ill after diagnosis. With a lot of TLC and medication he fortunately survived. It took a full 9 months for the urine test to come back free of blasto. He was lethargic for about a month but after that he was back to his old self and eating good again. It can be a very long road back to health but if caught in time they can survive.
Ron Turany

May 14, 2015

Thanks it's great that you care. The information will be helpful.

Reply
1. Jake Miller
  
  May 14, 2015
  
  Hi, Ron,
  
  Thanks for the note and glad you found it useful. If you ever have other topics you want us to write about don't hesitate to let us know!
  
  Thanks for reading,
  
  Jake
  
  Reply