STATE, NATIONAL HEALTH OFFICIALS SEEK TO RAISE PUBLIC AWARNESS ABOUT BLASTOMYCOSIS

A deadly fungus has claimed the lives of at least five Southeast Missouri residents in recent years.

The Missouri Department of Health and the national Centers for Disease Control is trying to raise awareness. This heightened publicity only makes sense.

Blastomycosis is fairly rare, affecting one or two people in every 100,000 people. It comes from breathing airborne spores of contaminated soil, particularly in wooded areas and along waterways. Farmers, foresters, hunters and campers are particularly susceptible.

But the state is going beyond heightened publicity. It will conduct a study of residents in Cape Girardeau, Scott, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Butler, Stoddard and Dunklin counties to learn more about the problem. The five deaths were in Mississippi and Scott counties. Most of those studied will be asked to complete a lengthy questionnaire, and some blood testing will be done. Through this study, the state will be able to determine how widespread this problem has become.

This study and increased awareness can also encourage people to see a physician for early diagnosis and treatment. And there's no question that this could help save lives.