Michigan paper mill with unusual illnesses reopens – Winnipeg Free Press

ESCANABA, Mich. (AP) — A northern Michigan paper mill has resumed operations after shutting down for three weeks to deal with an unusual outbreak of fungal infections.

The Billerud paper mill in Escanaba reopened on Monday, after a deep cleaning recommended by authorities and public health experts, the company said.

No spores related to the blastomycosis disease have been found, the factory said.

“We continue to work closely with and follow the recommendations of local, state and federal health experts as they continue to investigate this dynamic situation,” Billerud said.

The infection is linked to a fungus that grows on damp soil and decaying wood and leaves, according to the Delta County public health department, which publicly disclosed a series of unusual pneumonia infections in March.

There have been 115 cases of blastomycosis so far, the department said last week, resulting in 14 people — plant workers, contractors or visitors — being admitted to hospital. A person has died.

Blastomycosis is not transmitted from person to person. Common symptoms are cough, fever, shortness of breath, joint pain, and weight loss. The incubation period can range from 21 to 90 days.

The mill, which employs more than 800 people in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, produces paper for magazines, catalogs, books and other products. Billerud is based in Sweden.