Overview

• The fungus thrives in warm, humid regions such as Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, and California, with spores so small they are inhaled without notice.
• It causes aspergillosis, a lung infection that can lead to organ failure and death in people with weakened immunity.
• Studies have detected azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in farm soils of at least seven US states, raising concerns over declining treatment effectiveness.
• WHO classifies the pathogen as a critical priority fungal threat and calls for faster diagnostics, safer drugs, plus enhanced training for health workers.
• US hospitals have intensified mold inspections and updated antifungal treatment protocols to address rising infections.