UW Health warns of toxic fungal infection causing serious respiratory illness in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Hunters across Wisconsin are getting ready to head into the woods as gun deer hunting season kicks off at sunrise Saturday, Nov. 19. 

Experts at UW Health in Madison are warning hunters about a serious respiratory illness to be on the lookout for, and it's not Covid-19. 

Blastomycosis develops when a person breathes in the airborne spores. 

Wisconsin sees among the highest rates of the virus in the country, because the fungus grows in damp, acidic soils. However, the virus is treatable with anti-fungal medication.

"I think it's most important to be aware of the areas that are most conducive to fungus and that puts people into contact to the fungus -- so that's first and foremost. Second is to be aware of the symptoms," said Dr. Bruce Klein, pediatric infectious disease physician at UW Health.

The virus can infect both humans and animals, with symptoms including a high fever, skin rash and coughing. 

Dr. Klein says the fungus is difficult to avoid because it is so common in the environment, but people with weakened immune systems may want to avoid activities that involve disrupting soil in these areas. 

Wisconsin's gun deer season starts Saturday and runs through Nov. 27.