A fast-spreading and potentially deadly fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus, is drawing concern across the United States due to its ability to invade the human body and cause severe, sometimes fatal, infections. The airborne pathogen, commonly found in soil, decaying vegetation, and even household dust, has become more prominent as climate conditions in parts of the country grow increasingly warm and humid.

Aspergillus fumigatus releases microscopic spores known as conidia, which are so small they can be inhaled without notice. While healthy immune systems can typically fend off these spores, people with weakened immunity are at serious risk of developing aspergillosis, a dangerous lung infection that can escalate to organ failure in severe cases.

The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments and is particularly well-suited to grow at body temperature, around 37°C. It can even survive the extreme heat of compost piles, enduring temperatures over 120°F. As a result, southern states like Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia, as well as California, are experiencing higher levels of exposure. Dense urban areas like New York City, Houston, and Los Angeles are also vulnerable due to their aging infrastructure and high population density.

Among those at greatest risk are individuals undergoing chemotherapy, people living with HIV or asthma, and those with compromised immune systems or recovering from recent illnesses like the flu. Despite the seriousness of the condition, tracking and responding to aspergillosis remains difficult, as it is not a reportable disease. Consequently, accurate data on the number of cases, hospitalizations, or fatalities is lacking.

Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis affects tens of thousands of people, and while the more aggressive invasive aspergillosis is rare, it can spread beyond the lungs to vital organs including the brain, heart, and kidneys, making it particularly lethal.

To minimize exposure, doctors advise those with weakened immunity to avoid gardening, soil, and areas with visible mold. Use of masks in dusty environments and ensuring clean, filtered air in homes and healthcare facilities are also recommended precautions. Hospitals in states with higher risk have already begun implementing mold inspections and antifungal safety protocols in response to the growing threat.

Sources https://news.google.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?hl=en-IN&gl=IN&ceid=IN%3Ae