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CDC report highlights mold disease, a worry after flooding
AP News • • health
Key Points:
- A U.S. CDC study identified about 450 cases of invasive mold infections in Atlanta-area hospitals over five years, with roughly one-third of patients dying in the hospital.
- The study highlights invasive mold infections as a potentially deadly and underrecognized threat, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and immunocompromised.
- Researchers warn that climate change-related events such as hurricanes and floods may increase mold exposure and infection rates in the future.
- The study found hospitals can expect 3 to 5 invasive mold cases annually per 100 inpatient beds, with higher rates in larger academic hospitals treating more complex illnesses.
- Experts emphasize the need for similar studies in other U.S. regions to better understand the national scope of invasive mold infections.
