Most people will be exposed to the fungus sometime during their lives and most of these will not get sick. In people who become ill, symptoms appear many months (average 7 months) after exposure.
Symptoms of cryptococcal disease include:
- Prolonged cough (lasting weeks or months)
- Sharp chest pain
- Unexplained shortness of breath
- Neck Stiffness
- Severe headache
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
People are advised to see their doctor if they experience these symptoms.
There are no particular precautions that can be taken to avoid cryptococcosis. You can, however, be alert for long lasting or severe symptoms and consult a physician (or veterinarian for animals) for early diagnosis and treatment.
Where is this fungus found?
- Cryptococcus fungus is found naturally in the environment in B.C. and in other places around the world, in tropical and subtropical climates in countries such as Brazil and Australia. The gattii species of the fungus lives on trees and in the soil on the east coast of Vancouver Island and has occasionally been detected in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health Regions.
Why did the fungus appear in B.C.?
- It is not clear why Cryptococcus gattii appeared in B.C. It may have been imported or it may have always existed on Vancouver Island and increased in prevalence due to climate or environmental change.
How did the fungus spread to the mainland?
- At this time we are not certain how Cryptococcus gattii spread from Vancouver Island to the mainland. It may have been transported through the air or on people, vehicles and products traveling from the Island to the mainland.
Is it safe to live on Vancouver Island or to travel there?
- Yes. It is safe to travel to Vancouver Island. The risk of contracting the disease is very low and in almost all cases the disease can be treated. The benefits of outdoor exercise far outweigh the risks of cryptococcosis. All areas where the fungus has been found remain open to the public.
Can I tell which trees contain the fungus?
- No, you cannot tell which trees contain the fungus by looking at them. The fungus is tiny and cannot be seen with the naked eye. The trees that have the fungus growing on them do not look diseased. The fungus can only be identified by testing tree samples in a laboratory.
Should trees in my neighborhood be tested?
- Testing of trees and soil is being done in a number of areas on Vancouver Island and in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health Regions to help determine the general distribution of the fungus. It is not possible or even useful to test trees in specific neighborhoods. The fungus could be present in an area even if some trees from that area test negative.
Is there anything I can do to protect my trees from the fungus?
- No. There are no fungicides or other chemicals that can be applied to trees to protect them. Cutting down trees on private property is not recommended because it will not prevent your exposure to the fungus.
