Hello Sheryl,

Thanks for reaching out to the UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline with this question and being proactive about proactive with potential safety concerns about your community gardeners.

As you said, there have been recent reports of patients and pets that have contracted blastomycosis in Vermont. Blastomycosis is a rare infection of humans and pets caused by the fungus, Blastomyces, found in soil, particularly moist acidic soils and decaying leaves and wood. It is not a new condition in Vermont and the fungus is thought to be endemic across much of the U.S. and Canada. Most people exposed to Blastomyces do not become ill or have only minor symptoms. Blastomycosis is treatable with antifungal medications and people who are sick and are concerned about this illness should visit their doctor. People who smoke, have lung disease, have weakened immune systems, or are pregnant are at higher risk of severe illness. Blastomycosis is not usually spread from person to person.

There is no vaccine to prevent blastomycosis, and it may not be possible to completely avoid being exposed to the fungus that causes blastomycosis in areas where it is common in the environment. People who have weakened immune systems may want to consider avoiding activities that involve disrupting soil in these areas.

To minimize Blastomyces spp. growth, improve drainage in and around gardens and landscapes. Avoid wet layers at the bottom of windrows and leaf piles.

Take steps to minimize exposure and risks, including:

• Avoid digging or moving soils and materials on windy days.
• Cover soils and yard materials.
• Move materials when they are dry.
• Thoroughly wash hands after handling soil, debris and other materials.
• Limit exposure if you are at higher risk.
• Know the symptoms (Illness can occur 3 weeks to 3 months after breathing in the fungal spores; symptoms can include cough, fever, chills, muscle aches, joint pain, and chest pain and the infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as the skin or bones) and if you suspect you are sick, see your doctor.

Testing the environment for Blastomyces isn’t likely to be useful in most situations. When an environmental sample tests positive for Blastomyces, it isn’t necessarily a source of infection, and when a sample tests negative, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the fungus isn’t there.

Sheryl, I hope this information helps. Feel free to loop back if you have additional questions.