Medical officials tell Constance Lake First Nation residents that the lung infection affecting their community is treatable and not contagious. A virtual meeting with the Porcupine Health Unit and Indigenous Services Canada outlined the progress that’s been made. Dr. Jo Ann Majerovich from Indigenous Services says being interviewed by medical or environmental health officials is extremely important.
“Please think back to the activities you may have done out on the land since the spring and where they took place,” she said. “I know that can be a lot of activities but it’s clues for us.”
Majerovich says the winter weather may be a good thing because blastomycosis doesn’t like cold and doesn’t thrive in frozen soil.
Shaun Macki from Indigenous Services says investigators have been combing the community, looking for the source.
“They’re looking at areas of concern that have been identified by leadership of the community,” he said. “They’re looking at areas around the lumber mill and some certain areas in and around the community.”
Several residents have been diagnosed with blastomycosis the past couple weeks.
