On top of the devastating tornado which struck Joplin, Mo., May 22, victims and rescue workers now face another threat: a deadly fungus called zygomycosis (Mucormycosis). Several tornado victims would have survived if not for this fungal infection.
According to the National Institute of Health, zygomycosis is a common fungus found in soil and rotting vegetation. We are surrounded by it; most healthy people are not affected by the fungus. However, people with compromised immune systems and trauma victims are at risk for infection from zygomycosis. Children and pregnant women are always at special risk for infection and should be watched closely.
There are several forms of zygomycosis infections: sinus, lung, gastrointestinal and kidney. Symptoms occurring in Joplin primarily occur in the sinuses: sinus congestion and pain, rhinitis (runny nose), headache, nasal irritation, fever, cough, and abdominal pain. Any of these symptoms in injury victims should be reported immediately.
Zygomycosis infection has occurred in other disaster sites, like after the 2004 tsunami. Fungal infection is linked to natural disasters in several ways. First, in weather-related disasters, the landscape is damaged, releasing more of the fungus into the atmosphere.
Next, after a disaster, large areas of trees and plants are laid to waste. In a tornado or earthquake, terrain is ripped up. In a tsunami or hurricane, crops are destroyed and left to rot by flood waters. Also, injured farmers aren't able to tend to crops properly after a tornado or hurricane. All this creates the rotting vegetation that zygomycosis feeds on.
Disasters leave many normally healthy people with compromised immune systems. The emotional trauma of losing loved ones, homes and property is enough to make victims more susceptible to illness. If they have been injured, tornado victims are exponentially more at-risk for illnesses that healthy people could ward off.
Also, disaster survivors with medical conditions that existed before the tornado (diabetes, organ transplant, cancer, chronic drug or steroid use) are at additional risk. The Joplin tornado struck St. John's Regional Medical Center, leaving many patients and staff injured. These people are in a high-risk group.
Rescue workers are in danger of infection from zygomycosis. Poor sanitation is one of the most common disaster after-effects. Ruptured water and sewer lines and damaged power lines create unhealthy masses of bacteria and spread infection. As a fungus, zygomycosis clings to damaged surfaces, such as broken boards and protruding nails. If rescue workers injure themselves, they are at greater risk for infection.
How can we prevent the spread of zygomycosis and other infections among disaster workers? Wear protective clothing: face masks, heavy gloves, long sleeved shirts, work pants and safety goggles. Avoid direct contact with damaged structures, and use equipment rather than your bare hands to handle debris. Be sure you are up-to-date on immunizations.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes from 22 years parenting four children and 25 teaching K-8, special needs, adult education and homeschool.
