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Asian group disproportionately affected by blastomycosis outbreak
Some groups may be more predisposed to acquiring blastomycosis than others, according to findings published recently on the largest-ever reported outbreak of the illness.
Monika Roy, MD, of the Epidemic Intelligence Service and Mycotic Diseases Branch at CDC, and colleagues reported on the blastomycosis outbreak that occurred in Marathon County, Wis., from 2009 to 2010.
Among the 55 patients with outbreak-related cases, 70% were hospitalized, 55% lived in residential clusters, and 45% of the patients were Hmong, an Asian ethnic group, the researchers said.
“Incidence during 2005-2010 was significantly higher among Asians than non-Asians (2010 incidence: 168 vs. 13 per 100,000 population,” they said.
Although soil-related exposures have been identified in previously reported outbreaks of blastomycosis, they “are unlikely to explain the increase described here.”
The investigators said, “Although several prior Wisconsin outbreaks were associated with recreational activities near waterways, our analysis revealed that outbreak case-patients were not more likely to engage in typical high-risk exposure activities.”
MonikaRoy, MD, can be reached at the CDC, 1600 Clifton Road NE, MS C-09, Atlanta, GA 30307; email: ige6@cdc.gov.
Disclosure: Roy reports no relevant financial disclosures.