Fungal infection from dung seen behind illness of five manganese workers – GPHC

Five of the 12 workers from the Guyana Manganese Inc. (GMI), who fell ill while working at a mine in Matthews Ridge, Region One, have been diagnosed with histoplasmosis, Deputy Director of Medical Services at the Georgetown Public Hospital, Dr. David Samaroo yesterday disclosed.

Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by breathing in the spores of a fungus which is often found in bird and bat droppings

Samaroo explained that the diagnoses were made from results of samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) by the Ministry of Public Health. The results were returned yesterday morning, Samaroo said.