Deadly fungus migrates to Vancouver

VANCOUVER - A microscopic deadly fungus that has made its home on Vancouver Island for almost a decade has now mutated and making its way to the Lower Mainland, according to new research.

Symptoms can appear two to 12 months or more after exposure to C. gattii and may include prolonged cough (lasting weeks or months), sharp chest pain, unexplained shortness of breath, severe headache, fever, night sweats and weight loss. But the vast majority of people exposed to the fungus never develop symptoms. Doctors suspect most people have some form of natural protection, but it remains unclear why others are susceptible. In animals, symptoms can vary by species but generally include a runny nose, lumps under the skin, and infections of the lungs and central nervous system.