🚨 Important Health Alert: Blastomycosis Awareness 🚨

Community members are encouraged to learn about blastomycosis, a serious lung infection caused by a fungus found in moist soil, decaying wood, and leaves. Since 2018, more than 129 cases have been reported across 36 First Nations communities in Ontario, with 20 deaths reported. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.

⚠️ Know the symptoms: • Fever or chills
• New or worsening cough
• Night sweats
• Muscle and joint aches
• Feeling very tired or unwell
• Trouble breathing or chest pain in more serious cases

🌲 You may be exposed during activities such as: • Gardening, digging, landscaping, or leaf blowing
• Handling firewood
• Hunting, fishing, trapping, or gathering plants
• Hiking, biking, ATV use, or construction work in wooded areas

✅ Seek medical care if: • A lung infection or pneumonia is not improving with antibiotics • You develop symptoms within 3 weeks to 3 months after outdoor activities that may have disturbed soil, wood, or leaves • Tell your healthcare provider:“I may have been exposed to the fungus that causes blastomycosis.”

Please help spread awareness by sharing this information with family and community members. Early recognition and treatment can prevent severe illness and save lives. ❤️