Blastomycosis outbreak in northern Ontario: What you need to know
CTV
A community in Northern Ontario is dealing with a probable outbreak of blastomycosis, a lung infection caused by breathing in mould and fungi found in the wilderness.
In a Facebook Live announcement, Constance Lake First Nation Chief Ramona Sutherland said that at least 11 people were suffering from the serious lung infection. Indigenous Services Canada is working with the first nation and Porcupine Public Heath Unit to identify and address community needs.
Officials are inspecting sites in the community identified by Constance Lake First Nation Leadership. Laboratory samples are being conducted to determine the mould and fungi.
But where does blastomycosis come from and how does it spread? We put our questions to Dr. Anna Banerji, associate professor of pediatrics and Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto.
What is Blastomycosis?
