ESCANABA, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Billerud paper mill in Escanaba resumed operations Monday after idling the plant for four weeks while health officials investigated a fungal outbreak among the workers.
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The fungal infection killed one worker and hospitalized 13. The health department reported 109 cases as confirmed or probable.
The mill has been idle since April 13. During the closure, Billerud deep-cleaned the plant and continued to pay workers. Health experts investigated the site for a source of blastomycosis spores and completed a voluntary health evaluation of employees. The source of the outbreak is still unclear, but blastomycosis spores can be found in moist wood and soil.
The company said to date, no blastomycosis spores have been found within the mill. Billerud officials have repeatedly stated that the health and safety of its employees remains a top priority and they are continuing to work closely with health officials.
Billerud first learned of the blastomycosis fungal infections on March 3 from the Public Health Delta & Menominee Counties (PHDM) after PHDM was notified by the local hospital of several atypical pneumonia infections in individuals who work at the Escanaba Mill.
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