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Fox News
06-05-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Dangerous fungus could spread to parts of US, researchers claim
Some researchers are sounding the alarm about a potentially deadly fungus that could spread throughout parts of the U.S., Europe and Asia. The study article, which was published in pre-print (not yet peer-reviewed) in Research Square, claims that "rising global temperatures" could lead to severe infections of Aspergillus, a fungal mold that thrives in warm, damp climates. The resulting infection — called Aspergillosis — can impact humans, livestock and plants, the researchers wrote. DANGEROUS FUNGUS SPREADING IN US HOSPITALS HAS 'RAPIDLY INCREASED' In the study, scientific models were used to predict where Aspergillus is expected to increase based on different climate scenarios. The researchers predict that the fungus' prevalence could increase by 77% by the year 2100, potentially exposing millions of people in Europe to the infection. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, was not involved in the research but reviewed the findings. "The study indicates that some global climate change scenarios will result in changes of habitat ranges for certain lung and systemic fungal infections," he told Fox News Digital. RINGWORM RESISTANT TO COMMON ANTIFUNGALS FOR FIRST TIME IN US: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE SKIN INFECTION Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, a professor of medicine and infectious disease at Columbia University in New York, agreed that the study highlights concerns if Aspergillus becomes more prevalent in warmer climates. "We do know that there are increased cases in regions of the world that are more temperate," Vyas, who was not part of the study, told Fox News Digital. "It is likely that levels of human exposure will continue to increase, as will diseases of plants, crops and animals." Cornelius Clancy, MD, associate chief of the VA Pittsburgh Health System and opportunistic pathogens at the University of Pittsburgh, said he has seen an increase in fungal infections in humans, as well as fungal diseases in agriculture, horticulture and veterinary medicine. "Given that Aspergillus is prevalent in the environment and ongoing changes in climate favor growth of Aspergillus in the environment, it is likely that levels of human exposure will continue to increase, as will diseases of plants, crops and animals," he predicted to Fox News Digital. Potential risks of infection For most healthy people, Aspergillus spores won't cause any adverse effects, the experts noted. "Most people will typically inhale some spores every day," Clancy said. "If your immune system is intact, then these spores are usually removed by immune system cells in the airways and lungs and disease does not occur." But for people whose immune systems respond excessively to proteins in the spores, infection can cause reactions ranging from allergy-like symptoms to invasive disease. "In persons who are immunosuppressed, such as those receiving cancer chemotherapy, there is a risk of spores invading the lungs and causing Aspergillus pneumonia or other lung infections, which can then spread in the blood to other organs," Clancy cautioned. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "These are potentially very serious infections in immunosuppressed hosts." Allergic reactions and asthma exacerbations can also occur in people who are not known to be immunosuppressed, but who are predisposed to allergies and asthma, he added. "In patients whose immune system may be compromised — most commonly as a result of medications for cancer or other conditions — these organisms can invade the lung to cause significant pneumonia, and may even travel throughout the body to cause systemic disease," Vyas cautioned. "These patients are typically quite sick and require hospitalization." THE TRUTH ABOUT 'ZOMBIE CICADAS': 'THE FUNGUS CAN DO SOME NEFARIOUS THINGS' People who are elderly or have asthma are also at a higher risk, noted Glanville. "Unfortunately, there is also a global trend toward increases in rates of asthma and general demographic shifts toward a more elderly population in many areas," he added. "As clinicians, we worry about this infection because it is both hard to diagnose and even harder to treat," Vyas told Fox News Digital. "We don't have great drugs to effect cures for invasive fungal infections, including Aspergillus infections." Another obstacle is that some fungi become resistant to drugs over time, the experts agreed. Prevention and protection As Aspergillus is an environmental organism associated with soil, it is difficult to fully avoid, according to Vyas. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Those who are immunocompromised should avoid working with soil unless they have had a discussion with a doctor, he recommends. "Research into how Aspergillus causes diseases, better ways to diagnose this disease and the development of better treatments is sorely needed," Vyas added. "These are potentially very serious infections in immunosuppressed hosts." Glanville reiterated that there are anti-fungal treatment options for Aspergillosis, although the infections are often missed during initial diagnosis. "It would be a good idea to increase medical training to recognize these infections and to subsidize the development of new antifungals," Glanville recommended. For more Health articles, visit People who are known to be immunosuppressed or who are taking drugs that can cause immunosuppression should talk to their health providers about protective measures, Clancy advised.
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Yes, meningitis can cause serious illness and even death. But is it contagious?
Yes, meningitis can cause serious illness and even death. But is it contagious? Show Caption Hide Caption Why Meningitis can be life threatening if not treated quickly It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis to help identify it early and get prompt treatment. unbranded - Lifestyle, unbranded - Lifestyle Your body's brain and spinal cord are surrounded by three layers of membranes known as the meninges. These protective membranes are vital for providing structural support, cushioning tissue, improving circulation of cerebrospinal fluid and enhancing immune health by providing a defensive barrier against disease. Meningitis is what happens when the meninges become infected and inflamed, leading to a host of worrisome symptoms that range in seriousness depending on what's causing the infection and inflammation. Some of these symptoms include a high fever, lethargy, hearing loss, kidney failure, confusion, brain damage, learning disabilities, coma and possibly death. "Other symptoms include irritability, unconsciousness, stiff neck, seizures, nausea/vomiting and sensitivity to light," says Dr. John Sellick, a professor of medicine in the infectious diseases division at the University at Buffalo. Here's why there are such a wide variety of symptoms associated with meningitis and why not every form of meningitis is contagious. What is meningitis? There are multiple types of meningitis, which are typically classified by their cause. These include bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic. Viral meningitis is the more common form of the disease but is also generally considered the least dangerous. Viruses such as mumps, West Nile, HIV and the herpes simplex virus can all cause viral meningitis. More commonly though, viral meningitis is caused by a group of viruses known as enteroviruses. Bacterial meningitis differs from viral meningitis as it's the least common but most dangerous type of meningitis. About one in six people who get it die, and one in five suffer severe complications, per the World Health Organization. Bacterial meningitis is caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream and traveling to the meninges. Other times, this bacterial can enter the meninges directly due to a head injury or ear or sinus infection. Fungal meningitis is caused by inhaling fungal spores such as ones found in bird droppings or decaying wood. It can cause death if not treated by antifungal medicine and is especially worrisome in people with compromised immune systems, says Dr. Jatin Vyas, a professor of medicine in the infectious disease division at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Parasitic meningitis can be caused by a tapeworm infection in the brain or by cerebral malaria. Rarely, an amoeba that lives in certain bodies of freshwater can enter the nose and travel to the brain. Chemicals, allergies, adverse reactions to certain medications and some cancers can also cause meningitis. "Tuberculosis is another cause of meningitis, but tuberculous meningitis is rare in the United States," says Dr. Rodrigo Hasbun, an infectious diseases professor at the University of Texas McGovern Medical School. Heads up: This type of meningitis is fast and deadly. Here's what to know. Is meningitis contagious? Some forms of meningitis are contagious while others are not. Parasitic, fungal and chemical meningitis, for instance, cannot be passed from person to person. Bacterial meningitis can be contagious, but it depends on which bacterial strain has caused the infection. Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, for instance, can not only be transmitted but is so contagious that "in many cases, persons who have been in close contact with patients with Neisseria meningitidis meningitis are given antibiotics to avoid infection," says Vyas. The most easily transmitted type of the disease is viral meningitis, which can be passed directly from the infected individual when they cough or sneeze or by sharing the same cups or utensils or touching a surface the virus is on, then touching one's eyes, nose or mouth. Fecal-oral transmission can also occur if an infected person doesn't wash their hands and then contaminates surfaces. At the same time, not all forms of viral meningitis are contagious or spread easily. "West Nile Virus is transmitted by mosquito bites and not by human-to-human contact and the herpes simplex virus is only transmitted by unprotected sex," says Hasburn. It's also worth noting, adds Vyas, that not all the contagious viruses related to meningitis will end up causing meningitis in every person they spread to. Yes, exercise lowers blood pressure. This workout helps the most. Can meningitis be prevented? While not all forms of meningitis can be prevented in everyone, certain types can be avoided. Bacterial meningitis, for instance, can be prevented by getting vaccinated against the strains of bacteria that cause the disease. These include the Hib, MenB, MenACWY and PCV15 and PPSV23 vaccines, says Hasbun. Some forms of viral meningitis can also be avoided by "excellent hand hygiene such as with alcohol hand rubs or hand washing," says Sellick. "Condom use can help you avoid herpes simplex and syphilis transmission," says Hasbun. It's also important to wear repellent when outdoors and to avoid the insects that can spread it, advises Sellick. "Your healthcare provider can provide specific recommendations about which vaccines you need and how to best avoid meningitis in your area," says Vyas. "And if you develop signs and symptoms of any form of the disease, it's critical to seek prompt medical care."
USA Today
31-01-2025
- Health
- USA Today
This type of meningitis is fast and deadly. Here's what to know.
When it comes to bacterial infections, bacterial meningitis may not be the most common one, but it is certainly among the most serious. "The most worrisome part of bacterial meningitis is the lethality of the disease and the rapidity of its onset," explains Dr. Jatin Vyas, a professor of medicine in the infectious disease division at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. "Patients can go from being well to very sick within hours." Here's what bacterial meningitis is, how it's different from viral and other types of meningitis, and what treatment can be expected if you or a loved one is diagnosed with it. What is meningitis? What are symptoms? Meningitis is an infection that causes the thin layers of the meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord to become inflamed, explains Dr. Rodrigo Hasbun, an infectious diseases professor at the University of Texas McGovern Medical School. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. He says there are several types of meningitis that include bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic and ones caused by non-infectious factors. Viral meningitis is the more common and less serious form of the disease, Hasbun explains, while bacterial meningitis "accounts for the minority of meningitis cases but can be associated with severe neurological complications and even death." Indeed, bacterial meningitis "has a fatality rate of about one in six and causes long-term complications in one in five survivors," says Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in San Francisco. Such long-term complications include hearing loss, vision problems, learning difficulties or limb amputations due to sepsis. "Early recognition and treatment are critical to preventing these outcomes," he says. Common symptoms of viral meningitis include fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and confusion, says Nagata. "In severe cases, it may cause seizures, coma or a purple rash." Infants may show different signs such as poor feeding, irritability, bulging of the soft spot on their head or lethargy. Noted:There are more than 300 headache causes. These are the most common ones. What causes meningitis? Common causes of viral meningitis include enteroviruses, herpes viruses, the West Nile virus, mumps and influenza viruses. Bacterial meningitis can be caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae, explains Nagata. Vyas says a look at one's family history and a physical examination that includes an evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid obtained via spinal tap is required to know whether one is dealing with viral or bacterial meningitis. Fungi like Cryptococcus and parasites or amoebas can cause fungal meningitis or parasitic meningitis. Non-infectious causes of meningitis include head injuries, adverse reactions to certain medications, cancer or autoimmune disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, says Dr. John Sellick, a professor of medicine in the infectious diseases division at the University at Buffalo. Important to know:Arthritis is common, especially among seniors. Here's what causes it. How is meningitis treated? Meningitis treatment varies widely depending on its cause. Bacterial meningitis, for instance, "requires immediate intravenous antibiotics and sometimes corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, while viral meningitis usually resolves on its own with rest, fluids and pain relievers," says Nagata. He says that antivirals may also be used against specific viruses like herpes while fungal meningitis is treated with antifungal medications. "Non-infectious meningitis is managed by addressing the underlying condition, such as autoimmune diseases or cancer," he adds. And while bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening, "early treatment improves outcomes," says Nagata. "The best treatments start with a prompt diagnosis of what is causing the disease," echoes Vyas. Prevention through vaccination is also important. You can get vaccinated against the viruses that can lead to meningitis and get the MenACWY vaccine, which protects against four types of meningococcal bacteria that cause meningitis. This vaccine, says Sellick, "has very high efficacy in preventing infection."
