NEW LONDON, Wis. (WSAU) — There have been more cases of people getting sick from Blastomycosis associated with the Little Wolf River in Waupaca County.
Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services now says there are 13 confirmed cases and another 13 illnesses that are probably blastomycosis. DHS officials also believe there will be more human cases of the fungal illness.
Health officials believe people were exposed to the spores along the shore of the Little Wolf River near New London starting around Memorial Day weekend. They encourage anyone who has been exposed to this area and is not feeling well should contact a health care provider. Symptoms include a fever, cough, muscle aches, and fatigue. Some people also experience unexpected weight loss, chest pain and a persistent cough. The illness can occur between 2 and 15 weeks after exposure.
Health department officials and Waupaca County have placed advisory signs where exposures may have occurred.
People are also advised not to let their pets near the water or shoreline. Dogs often die from blastomycosis, and they often don’t show symptoms until it’s too late to treat them.
