Fatal Fungal Outbreak at Michigan Paper Mill

A contracted employee at the Billerud paper mill in Escanaba has died from blastomycosis, a rare fungal infection that has affected nearly 100 employees at the mill. The mill will temporarily close for up to three weeks for deep cleaning and inspection of incoming materials. Blastomycosis is caused by breathing in microscopic fungal spores from soil and decaying wood. Most people who breathe in the spores don't get sick, but some develop symptoms that mimic a cold or the flu. The United Steelworkers union has called for testing and cleaning in paper mills across the industry.