Scott Williams swilliams@wolfrivermedia.com
An outbreak of a lung infection linked to tubing on the Little Wolf River has reached the Shawano area.
The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department announced Friday one confirmed case and another probable case of blastomycosis.
The condition causes a lung infection after a person is exposed to a type of fungus typically found in rotting soil or organic material that is disturbed and becomes airborne.
Among people tubing this summer along the Little Wolf River in Waupaca County, state and local health officials have confirmed five cases and recorded another eight to 10 probable cases throughout the northeastern Wisconsin region.
Officials believe the tubers might have gotten sick after going ashore and disturbing infected soil.
Deborah Zernicke, public health nursing supervisor for the Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department, said both new cases detected locally involve people who are being treated for their symptoms and are expected to recover fully.
The infection, which causes pneumonia-like symptoms, is not contagious and is treatable.
At Wolf River Trips and Campground in New London, owner Mark Flease said new signs have been posted informing tubing customers about blastomycosis and warning them not to trespass on private property along the river.
“If they would just float down the river and tube, there wouldn’t be any problem,” Flease said.
The business, which remains open, attracts as many as 300 people daily to float on inner tubes along the Little Wolf River.
The blastomycosis infections are believed to have occurred along the river earlier this summer, although officials say it is difficult to pinpoint the location — and not always helpful to do so.
Once a hot spot for fungus-tainted soil has been uncovered, the risk can later dissipate based on changing soil or weather conditions. Testing soil or water also is generally not successful, as conditions for blastomycosis can flare up and fade away quickly.
“This is so unpredictable,” Zernicke said.
About half of those exposed to the fungus never develop symptoms. Others can become ill within three to 15 weeks after exposure. The symptoms typically include fever, cough, muscle aches and fatigue, later growing to include a cough and chest pains.
Zernicke said anyone experiencing symptoms who has been tubing on the Little Wolf River should see a doctor.
The state recorded 89 cases of blastomycosis in 2014 and 91 cases the year before.