By: News Intern Katherine Jones
BEMIDJI- A summer of heavy rains has caused a rise in cases of a rare fungal infection in northern Minnesota.
So far this year, more than 45 people have been diagnosed with blastomycosis, which is transmitted through fungal spores in the air. Last year, only 31 human cases were reported by this time.
The fungus thrives in moist ground, especially in wooded areas near rivers and lakes. Most of these cases were reported in the northern part of the state.
