Daijiworld Media Network- Washington

Washington, Jun 18: A growing concern looms over the United States as scientists raise red flags about a deadly fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus, which is quietly spreading across several states. This airborne menace is known for its horrific ability to "eat" human tissue from within, especially impacting those with weakened immune systems.

According to health experts, Aspergillus fumigatus is not a new discovery—it is a common fungus found in soil, plant debris, compost, and even household dust. However, its increasing resistance to standard antifungal drugs, combined with rising temperatures and urban crowding, has made it a potential public health threat.

What makes this fungus particularly dangerous is its microscopic spores, called conidia, which are easily inhaled without any warning. Once inside the body, the spores can develop into aspergillosis, a serious lung infection. In its invasive form, aspergillosis can spread from the lungs to the brain, heart, and kidneys, often proving fatal.

“While most healthy individuals can fight off these spores naturally, those suffering from cancer, asthma, HIV, or recovering from flu are especially vulnerable,” warned Dr. Vyas, an infectious disease expert at Columbia University, in a statement to the Daily Mail. “This isn’t science fiction. These infections are real, and we’re not ready.”

The threat is most intense in hot and humid states such as Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, and California, where agricultural activities and climate conditions support fungal growth. Major urban centres like New York, Houston, and Los Angeles also remain under threat due to dense populations and ageing infrastructure.

Despite its risks, aspergillosis is not currently a reportable disease in the US, meaning there is no national tracking of infections or fatalities—making it difficult to assess the real impact.

A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology uncovered azole-resistant strains of the fungus in farm soils across seven US states, making treatment even more complicated. Another alarming report from the University of Manchester predicted that, if fossil fuel use remains unchecked, the geographical range of Aspergillus fumigatus could expand by more than 75% by the year 2100.

Experts now urge better monitoring, awareness campaigns, and investment in newer antifungal therapies, fearing that the current public health infrastructure is unprepared for a surge in deadly fungal infections.

With climate change intensifying and immune-compromised populations growing, the silent spread of Aspergillus fumigatus could soon become an invisible enemy no longer confined to the shadows.