Michigan Chef, 29, Dies from Rare Fungal Infection That Had 'Eaten Large Holes' in His Lungs "They showed us a picture of his lungs, and they literally looked like Swiss cheese,” said Ron Pritchard after his son Ian was diagnosed with blastomycosis By Vanessa Etienne is an Emerging Content Writer-Reporter for PEOPLE. Updated on February 7, 2024 04:37PM EST Ian Pritchard. PHOTO: IAN PRITCHARD/FACEBOOK Spoiler A Michigan chef has died after contracting a rare fungal infection that had “eaten large holes” in his lungs. Ian Pritchard, a 29-year-old chef from Petoskey, was admitted to the hospital after experiencing flu-like symptoms the week before Thanksgiving. After arriving, his condition quickly deteriorated and he was transported to Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, where doctors determined that he had a rare fungal infection in his lungs called blastomycosis. Blastomycosis is an infection caused by a fungus called blastomyces, which lives in the environment, particularly in moist soil and in decomposing matter such as wood and leaves, according to the CDC. People can get blastomycosis after breathing in the microscopic fungal spores from the air, the CDC says. Although most people who breathe in the spores don’t get sick, some people will develop symptoms like fever and cough, and the infection can sometimes become serious if it is not treated. "It’s in the air, it’s in the trees, it’s in the wet leaves, it’s in the ground, it’s in the mud, it’s in, everywhere,” Ian’s father, Ron Pritchard, told WPBN. “Everywhere in northern Michigan – in fact, the Midwest – is covered in [blastomyces]." Ron also explained that the infection had “eaten large holes” in his son’s lungs, adding, "They showed us a picture of his lungs, and they literally looked like Swiss cheese.” Ian Pritchard. IAN PRITCHARD/FACEBOOK Tennessee Girl, 13, Has Both Legs Amputated After Catching Rare Bacterial Infection: 'Her Heart Stopped' Ian was later placed on life support and in a medically induced coma while receiving treatment. Blastomycosis is typically treated with an antifungal medication and depending on the severity, treatment can range from six months to one year, according to the CDC. In Ian’s case, treatment was a slow process. He was also in “critical condition” and would not be able to receive a life-saving lung transplant until the infection was gone. While in the hospital, longtime friends of the family created a GoFundMe page on their behalf to raise money for his recovery and medical bills. According to a Dec. 27 update on the account, Ian was taken out of the medically induced coma but was still heavily sedated, only able to communicate with non-verbal cues. His family said, “Ian is very aware and very much wanting to fight to live.” Ian Pritchard. IAN PRITCHARD/FACEBOOK Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. However, Ian died the evening of Feb. 3, just days before his 30th birthday, surrounded by his parents and sister. “Ron and his family are obviously devastated and heartbroken,” an announcement on the GoFundMe stated. “Ron told me it was Ian's decision to come off life-support. He was quite alert today and indicated to them that he was ready to go. The young man has been in the hospital since the week before Thanksgiving… over 11 weeks ago if you recall. The Blastomycosis fungal infection ravaged Ian’s lungs beyond repair.” There is no vaccine to prevent blastomycosis, and the CDC says it may not be possible to completely avoid exposure to the fungus that causes the infection, especially in areas where it’s common. People who have weakened immune systems may want to consider avoiding activities that involve disrupting soil in these areas, per the CDC.
Candida auris: The killer fungus that's quietly spreading in hospitals and beyond Cameron French CTVNews.ca writer Follow | Contact Published June 11, 2021 9:01 a.m. CDT TORONTO - While it’s likely that most COVID-fatigued people would be happy to push the idea of threatening infections completely out of their mind, doctors are warning about the spread of a deadly fungus that resists treatment and tends to thrive in hospital settings. Virtually unknown before 2009, Candida auri(opens in a new tab)s(opens in a new tab) has been increasingly identified in hospitals and long-term care settings, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems, and has shown itself to be disturbingly resistant to treatment, says Tom Chiller, a medical epidemiologist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. “It's something that we're seeing spread relatively easily in our healthcare settings and in our nursing homes,” Chiller told CTV’s Your Morning on Friday. “It's able to live and grow on surfaces for prolonged periods of time India battles fatal fungal threat as virus deaths near 300K Killer fungus spread rampantly at U.S. hospital COVID ward: study Potentially deadly drug-resistant 'fungal superbug' emerging in Canada RELATED LINKS CDC Candida auris page According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, there were 24 cases of C. auris between 2012 and September 2019 in Canada, but data in general about the fungus is sparse, particularly recently as hospitalizations have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a U.S. government study released in January said 35 patients at a Florida hospital in 2020 became infected. The CDC says about 30-60 per cent of patients with C. auris have died, but they caution the figure is based on limited data. “Generally, fungal infections get into our bloodstream and when they get into our bloodstream they can then invade vital organs, and unfortunately have quite high mortalities in people that are sick,” said Chiller. Chiller said fungal infections are much less of a worry in someone who is healthy, but he also noted it can be difficult to rid healthcare settings of the fungus on surfaces and equipment where it can colonize. It can also be very difficult to identify in clinical settings. “We've always been challenged by getting rid of these organisms and when they eventually infect humans they’re sort of opportunists,” he said. “This particular fungus is no different. It has found a way to survive, and so yes you really have to bump up your level of disinfection, you really got to be aggressive to get rid of this fungus or it will survive.” “We need to be looking for it as it's spreading and so there are screening tests we can do, we know the types of patients that are at risk. So the earlier we identify it the earlier we get on it the earlier we can control it and get rid of it,” he said.
Dirty Hippies fault imo What to know about Seattle outbreak of potentially deadly fungus An outbreak of a fungus that can turn deadly, Candida auris, was confirmed at a hospital in Seattle late last month, in the latest example of the drug-resistant fungus spreading nationwide. Spoiler Why it matters: Many people with C. auris won't show symptoms, but about 5–10% develop invasive infections — and about 45% of those patients die within 30 days, local public health officials say. CDC last year said has "spread at an alarming rate" — from fewer than 500 clinical cases nationwide in 2019 to nearly 2,400 in 2022. Details: Candida auris is a type of yeast that spreads easily in health care facilities, per the CDC. "It is often resistant to antifungal treatments, which means that the medications that are designed to kill the fungus and stop infections do not work," the CDC says. The fungus can cause ear infections, wound infections, urinary tract infections and blood infections that spread to the rest of the body, per the Cleveland Clinic. Symptoms can include fever, chills, extreme tiredness, low blood pressure, ear pain, low body temperature and high heart rate. The fungus can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, clothing or shared medical equipment (such as blood pressure cuffs), as well as contact with an infected person. People can get the fungus on their skin without getting sick or showing symptoms, then unknowingly spread it, the CDC says. It can survive on surfaces for several weeks. Of note: Typically, healthy people don't get serious infections from Candida auris, even if they're carrying it, health officials say. "The risk is mainly for patients that have long stays at hospitals and need medical interventions like breathing tubes, feeding tubes or urinary catheters," Claire Brostrom-Smith, manager of the health care-associated infections program at Public Health-Seattle & King County, said in a written statement. What they found: Last month, Public Health-Seattle & King County confirmed four cases linked to Kindred, a private long-term acute care hospital in Seattle's First Hill neighborhood. No deaths were reported. It was the first known outbreak in Washington state, although a single case tied to Kindred was identified last summer. Cases have now been reported in more than half of U.S. states, with California, Nevada, New York and Florida reporting the most in the most recent year of CDC data available. What's next: Kindred already screens people for the fungus as soon as they're admitted, which is how the first of the January cases was detected, King County public health officials said. County officials are working with Kindred to keep patients who test positive for Candida auris away from others, in hopes of stopping the spread. King County is recommending that health care facilities consider screening patients who might be at high risk of exposure, including those who have stayed near a person with C. auris.
Something you can just randomly get walking around and breathing, killing you at a 50% clip is insane
Rio de Janeiro declares public health emergency for dengue days before Carnaval Travelers headed to Brazil's biggest party, Carnaval, this week are advised to exercise caution due to the country's surge in dengue fever cases. In just the first few weeks of 2024, Rio has documented over 10,000 cases of dengue fever, nearly half of the total cases reported in the entirety of 2023, which amounted to 23,000, according to officials from the Health Ministry. Spoiler The center of the festivities, Rio de Janeiro declared a public health emergency on Monday due to an outbreak of the viral disease transmitted through mosquito bites. The outbreak is due to Brazil's hot tropical climate and heightened rainfall associated with El Niño this year, according to the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In January, a record 362 people in Rio were hospitalized due to the disease – the last recorded high was in 2008. The city is bracing itself for the influx of travelers coming to enjoy the street parties, known as blocos de rua, and Sambodromo stadium starting Friday until Feb. 17. In 2020, Carnaval brought over 2 million tourists to Rio. During Carnaval, the city will open 10 care centers, an emergency operations shelter and allocate hospital beds specifically for dengue patients. Throughout the city, authorities will deploy “smoke cars” that emit an insecticide into the air. Rio will also host an “Against Dengue Every Day” campaign and distribute repellents, stickers, bandanas and hats to partiers. Across Brazil, there have been almost 365,000 recorded cases in 2024 – four times more than in all of 2023. Rio’s announcement joins three other Brazilian states that also declared a public health emergency from dengue: Acre, Minas Gerais and Goias. “In a single month of 2024, we already have almost half the cases of the entire previous year, which generated intense concern,” Rio’s Municipal Health Secretary Daniel Soranz said last Friday, according to CNN Brasil. Starting Friday, the country is implementing a nationwide vaccination drive hoping to inoculate 3.2 million people and encourage residents to eradicate stagnant water sources, known breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Most people who contract dengue don't have any symptoms, but some can experience high fever, headache, nausea, body aches and rash, according to the World Health Organization. Typically, people can feel better in about one to two weeks. In severe cases, they need to be hospitalized. With no cure for dengue, treatment is just minimizing any pain symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the best way to prevent dengue is to avoid mosquito bites with an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent like DEET or Picaridin. Travelers should also pack acetaminophen to help manage fevers or body aches if they get dengue. As always in mass gatherings, the CDC recommends travelers be up to date on their vaccinations before departure. During the event, travelers should wash their hands regularly and be careful about the food and drinks they consume. Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected]. Contributing: Associated Press
2 dead, multiple sick in Listeria outbreak affecting 11 states: CDC DENVER (KDVR) — Two people are dead and at least two dozen more have fallen ill as part of a Listeria outbreak linked to queso, cheese and other dairy products, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On Tuesday, the CDC issued a food safety alert regarding the multistate outbreak, saying that Rizo-López Foods has recalled all cheeses and dairy products made in its facility. Spoiler As the company explains, the products have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, which can lead to serious infections. The recalled products “may be a potential source of illness” in the Listeria outbreak, officials said. Those recalled products were sold nationally under the following brands: Campesino Casa Cardenas Don Francisco Dos Ranchitos El Huache Food City La Ordena Rio Grande Rizo Bros San Carlos Santa Maria Tio Francisco 365 Whole Foods Market The CDC has a full list of 61 products that have been recalled. So far, 26 people in 11 states have been infected, according to the CDC. That includes cases in California, Arizona, Colorado, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Two deaths have been reported in California and Texas. Symptoms of Listeria Listeria, which can cause serious and even fatal infections in young children or people with weakened immune systems. Among pregnant women, however, listeria can cause a miscarriage or stillbirth. Symptoms usually start within two weeks after eating the contaminated food but may also start as early as the same day. Pregnant people may notice the following symptoms: Fever Muscle aches Tiredness People who are not pregnant may notice the following symptoms: Fever Muscle aches Tiredness Headaches Stiff neck Confusion Loss of balance Seizures What should you do? The CDC urges people to not eat any recalled cheese or dairy products, and instead throw them away. If you did have the possibly contaminated cheese, the CDC asks you to clean the refrigerator, containers and surfaces that may have touched the products. If you have any questions about the recalled products, you can contact Rizo-López Foods at 1-833-296-2233.
Oregon officials confirm case of human bubonic plague, say it likely came from pet cat Health officials in Central Oregon have confirmed a case of human bubonic plague and said the individual was likely infected by a domestic house cat. Spoiler The unidentified infected person lives in Deschutes County and marks the state's first human case in just over eight years, Deschutes County Health Services officials announced in a news release. Deschutes County is just under 200 miles southeast of Portland, the state's largest city. “All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness,” Deschutes County Health Services Officer Dr. Richard Fawcett wrote the announcement released Wednesday. The disease is spread through the air and contaminated food and the individual was likely infected by a pet cat that had developed symptoms, officials said. This case was identified and the person was treated by doctors while "in the earlier stages of the disease, posing little risk to the community," officials said. 1 confirmed case reported As of last week, no other cases of plague had been reported, the department said. The last confirmed case of the plague in the state was reported in 2015, health officials said. Bubonic plague symptoms Symptoms of plague usually begin in humans "two to eight days after exposure to an infected animal or flea," the agency wrote in the release. The symptoms include sudden onset of fever, nausea, weakness, chills, muscle aches and visibly swollen lymph nodes. If not diagnosed early, bubonic plague can lead to a bloodstream infection and a lung infection, health officials warned, which are difficult to treat and sometimes can lead to death. Tips to avoid bubonic plague The disease spreads to humans or animals through a bite from an infected flea or by contact with a sick animal. The most common animals to carry plague in Central Oregon are squirrels and chipmunks, but mice and other rodents can also carry the disease. To prevent the spread of plague, health experts recommend the following tips: Avoid contact with rodents and fleas. Keep pets on a leash and use flea control products. If possible, discourage pet cats from hunting rodents. If your cat becomes sick after being in contact with rodents, call your vet. Do not camp, sleep, or rest near animal burrows or areas where dead rodents are observed. Do not feed squirrels, chipmunks or other wild rodents.
My wife has been working extremely hard to get doctors to stop prescribing so much antibiotics. They are making humans so dependent on them that they are going to be unable to defend themselves from viruses.
shit like this is what keeps the lights on at my company. Keep it coming, the more fear everyone generates, the more calls I get for "my building is making me sick" Spoiler Real talk though, I did a hotel inspection a few weeks ago that was fucking horrific. Hotels, in general, are so fucking gross.
All these years focusing on the Great Jellyfish War and this whole time it’s been the mushrooms, waiting, watching, spreading…