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What is Aspergillus fumigatus spreading in the US: About the deadly fungus that 'eats you from the inside out'
Scientists have warned about a deadly fungus quickly invading the US which is fatal enough to rot human tissues from within. Known as Aspergillus Fumigatus, the fungus is spreading across the states and experts warn that the problem could rise with an increase in the temperatures.
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What is the deadly fungus and how can you prevent getting infected from it? Let's find out.
Aspergillus Fumigatus: A deadly fungus
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Aspergillus fumigatus is an airborne fungus whose spores called conidia, are so tiny that one can't help but inhale them without notice. It can be found all around in the environment in soil, plant matter and even indoor household dust.
According to the
, it can grow optimally at 37°C. It thrives in warm, damp environments, even surviving temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit in compost piles.
While in most people their immune system is able to fight off the spores of the fungus in the body, some get infected enough to develop a serious lung infection called aspergillosis, which can lead to organ failure and death.
Who is at risk of getting infected?
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People with weakened immune systems such as patients with cancer, asthma, or HIV, who have a low white blood cell count or are recovering from a recent influenza infection are at risk.
Aspergillus fumigatus spreading in the US
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Scientists have found that the fungus is invading parts of the US with Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia and California experiencing the highest exposure due to hot, humid climates and farming activity.
Additionally, cities like New York, Houston and Los Angeles are also at risk due to dense populations and ageing infrastructure.
Since aspergillosis isn't a reportable disease- meaning its infections, hospitalizations and deaths aren't tracked, it is hard to detect, said officials. About 40,000 cases of infection develop into chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, which is a long-term lung infection.
While invasive aspergillosis is rare, it is far deadlier and can spread from the lungs to the brain, heart and kidneys.
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A
published in the Applied and Environmental Microbiology found azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in farm soils across seven states in the US, with many strains resistant to standard antifungal drugs.
Another
by the University of Manchester found that if fossil fuel use continues at the current level, the fungus could expand by more than 75% by 2100, putting millions of lives at risk in the southern US, where conditions mirror the forecasts.
'This isn't science fiction,' said Dr Vyas, an infectious disease expert at Columbia University to the Daily Mail. 'These infections are real, and we're not ready.'
What to do to prevent getting infected?
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Doctors advise people with weak immune systems to avoid soil, gardening, and mouldy environments, wear masks in dusty areas and maintain clear air in hospitals and homes. Hospitals in the states have already taken initiatives of mould inspections and antifungal protocols.
