Wet weather in the Spring may lead to pretty flowers and vegetation, but it can cause some health hazards too. Since my family spends most of our summer up at our cabin in Wisconsin,  this viral post on social media totally captured my attention yesterday...

 

 

Due to the fact my two dogs always come up North with us, and that my girls always look like they wrestled in a mud pit after a day playing on the beach, it's safe to say I'm concerned about this Blastomycosis issue.

So the above post tells us how Blastomycosis spreads, but let's find out what symptoms we need to look for.  The CDC website says;

Symptoms of blastomycosis usually appear between 3 weeks and 3 months after a person breathes in the fungal spores.

Symptoms of Blastomycosis in humans include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Night sweats
  • Muscle aches or joint pain
  • Weight loss
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue (extreme tiredness)

Symptoms of Blastomycosis in dogs include:

  • Fever
  • Depression
  • Weight Loss/Loss of appetite
  • Skin lesions
  • Respiratory problems/coughing
  • Eye infection/drainage

Blastomycosis in humans and dogs is treatable, but often requires several months of taking antifungal medications. Blastomycosis cannot be spread between dogs and humans, and the only real way to prevent contracting the disease is to avoid disrupting soil in affected areas. (Good luck keeping your dogs from digging in the dirt).

If you're heading to Wisconsin soon, just make sure you keep a close eye on signage in the area. If officials know the area is a Blastomycosis danger, a warning will be posted.

 

Stay Overnight in an Old Illinois Wooden Shoe Factory

This Illinois Airbnb is a unique stay you won't forget.

 

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