Researchers sound the alarm for killer fungi spreading worldwide! How can Aussies stay safe?
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For those who have watched a chilling episode of the television series The Last of Us, some may think, 'Thank goodness that's just fiction'.
However, Aussies might want to sit down and hear what scientists have to say.
What's happening around nature, and how can Aussies protect themselves and their loved ones from this unusual threat?
Scientists have sounded the alarm about a real-life fungal threat on the rise globally and could creep closer to The Land Down Under.
Fungi are everywhere—on your bread, in your garden, and even floating through the air you breathe.
While some are friendly, such as the ones on Vegemite, other types of fungi are far more sinister.
A group of fungi called Aspergillus have caught the attention of scientists nationwide.
This group could cause a potentially deadly lung disease known as aspergillosis.
Researchers from Manchester University have used computer models to predict how these fungi might spread as the world gets warmer.
According to their findings, the risk continues to grow, and Australia is in the firing line.
Aspergillus is a genus of moulds that thrive in warm, humid environments.
These fungi release tiny spores into the air, which Aussies breathe daily.
For most healthy people, this group of fungi should not be a problem.
However, for those with weakened immune systems or with chronic lung conditions, these spores could start growing inside the body.
If the body's immune system cannot fight these spores off, the fungus could essentially 'eat you from the inside out'.
In nature, fungi are decomposers that break down dead leaves and animals.
In humans, they could do the same, which often causes severe, fatal infections.
Globally, invasive fungal infections have been responsible for around 3.8 million deaths annually.
Aspergillus species account for a significant chunk of these deaths.
Invasive aspergillosis could affect over 2 million people annually, with a high mortality rate of more than 85 per cent.
Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, another disease connected with Aspergillus, causes hundreds of thousands of deaths each year.
Climate change has been making the world warmer and more humid, giving these fungi ideal conditions to spread.
The Manchester study predicted that as temperatures rise, Aspergillus species may move into new areas and put people at risk.
In Australia, the models suggest a shift of Aspergillus flavus from inland regions towards the coast, where more people live.
Australia's climate has been a playground for mould and fungi, especially in humid coastal areas or places after heavy rains.
The fungus is commonly found in dust, soil, decomposing leaves, and compost.
The World Health Organisation added Aspergillus flavus to its list of critical fungal pathogens due to its impact on public health.
The said fungi have also had growing resistance to antifungal medications.
'Aspergillosis may sound like a tongue twister, but it's something all Australians should be aware of, particularly given our warm, humid atmosphere, which is ideal for the formation of mould,' the Australia Wide First Aid shared.
Here's how to prevent the threat of Aspergillus in your home:
Have you or someone you know experienced a fungal infection? What do you think of these findings? Share your stories and mould-free home tips in the comments below.
However, Aussies might want to sit down and hear what scientists have to say.
What's happening around nature, and how can Aussies protect themselves and their loved ones from this unusual threat?
Scientists have sounded the alarm about a real-life fungal threat on the rise globally and could creep closer to The Land Down Under.
Fungi are everywhere—on your bread, in your garden, and even floating through the air you breathe.
While some are friendly, such as the ones on Vegemite, other types of fungi are far more sinister.
A group of fungi called Aspergillus have caught the attention of scientists nationwide.
This group could cause a potentially deadly lung disease known as aspergillosis.
Researchers from Manchester University have used computer models to predict how these fungi might spread as the world gets warmer.
According to their findings, the risk continues to grow, and Australia is in the firing line.
Aspergillus is a genus of moulds that thrive in warm, humid environments.
These fungi release tiny spores into the air, which Aussies breathe daily.
For most healthy people, this group of fungi should not be a problem.
However, for those with weakened immune systems or with chronic lung conditions, these spores could start growing inside the body.
If the body's immune system cannot fight these spores off, the fungus could essentially 'eat you from the inside out'.
In nature, fungi are decomposers that break down dead leaves and animals.
In humans, they could do the same, which often causes severe, fatal infections.
Globally, invasive fungal infections have been responsible for around 3.8 million deaths annually.
Aspergillus species account for a significant chunk of these deaths.
Invasive aspergillosis could affect over 2 million people annually, with a high mortality rate of more than 85 per cent.
Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, another disease connected with Aspergillus, causes hundreds of thousands of deaths each year.
Climate change has been making the world warmer and more humid, giving these fungi ideal conditions to spread.
The Manchester study predicted that as temperatures rise, Aspergillus species may move into new areas and put people at risk.
In Australia, the models suggest a shift of Aspergillus flavus from inland regions towards the coast, where more people live.
Australia's climate has been a playground for mould and fungi, especially in humid coastal areas or places after heavy rains.
The fungus is commonly found in dust, soil, decomposing leaves, and compost.
The World Health Organisation added Aspergillus flavus to its list of critical fungal pathogens due to its impact on public health.
The said fungi have also had growing resistance to antifungal medications.
'Aspergillosis may sound like a tongue twister, but it's something all Australians should be aware of, particularly given our warm, humid atmosphere, which is ideal for the formation of mould,' the Australia Wide First Aid shared.
Here's how to prevent the threat of Aspergillus in your home:
- Keep your home dry and well-ventilated: Mould loves damp, poorly ventilated spaces. Use exhaust fans, open windows, and fix leaks quickly.
- Be careful with compost and gardening: Wear a mask and gloves when handling soil, compost, or decaying plant matter.
- Clean up dust and mould: Regularly clean surfaces, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and other damp areas.
- Monitor your health: If you're in a high-risk group, be vigilant for symptoms and talk to your doctor about your risk.
- Researchers warned that dangerous Aspergillus fungi, responsible for life-threatening infections, are expected to spread further across the world, including Australia.
- The study found that as Australia's climate shifts, there will likely be an increase in Aspergillus flavus cases along the coasts.
- Aspergillus infections, which could 'eat you from the inside out', already cause millions of deaths worldwide each year, with a mortality rate of over 85 per cent.
- Experts advised Australians to be aware of fungal infection symptoms, especially given the country's warm, humid climate.
Have you or someone you know experienced a fungal infection? What do you think of these findings? Share your stories and mould-free home tips in the comments below.
