Canadian Fungus in California

The Cryptococcus gattii fungus is an export of which Canada is not proud.

Cryptococcus gattii is a fungal infection that originated in Canada. It has begun to spread across the western edge of the United States and down into California. The infection is dangerous and potentially deadly. Most common fungal infections primarily infect persons with compromised immune systems and other underlying health problems, but this version also attacks healthy people.

Origin

Cryptococcus gattii is a fungal infection that originated in Canada. It is spreading across the western edge of the United States and down into California. The infection is dangerous and potentially deadly. Most common fungal infections primarily infect persons with compromised immune systems and other underlying health problems, but this version also attacks healthy people.

Symptoms

The fungus can trigger pneumonia and meningitis. Some infected patients have died from the disease, which begins as a severe headache. Chills, fever and shortness of breath follow but may not show up for up to eight months after exposure. The earliest symptoms can be within two weeks and are quick to harm even a healthy individual. Of the 50 reported cases in Oregon 2010, 10 patients died. The infection first showed up in Northern California in 2010.

Prevention

As of early 2011, there is no known protection. The fungus lives in soil but passes through the air as tiny spores that can be inhaled. Doctors are to watch for the symptoms in patients and report any cases to the Centers for Disease Control. The fungus is likely spreading due to warming weather conditions.

Treatment

Currently there is no complete cure for the disease. Those infected have been treated with powerful antifungal drugs, but the aftereffects can leave the patient severely diminished. The drugs are administered for many months via an intravenous drip. After the antifungal is established in the blood stream, it is followed by oral medication. The infection can affect the lungs, brain or other areas, each of which require specialized treatments.

References

• National Geographic: New, Deadely Cryptococcus Gattii Fungus Found in U.S.; Christine Dell'Amore; May 2, 20101
• CalCoast News: Deadly Fungus Spreading in California; April 23,2010
• Time: The Killer Fungus- Should We Be Scared?; Alice Park; April 23, 2010
• EMedicine: Cryptococcosis; John W. King, Meredith L. Dewitt; October 28, 2010