The Chief of Constance Lake First Nation says the high number of Blastomycosis cases in the community is still concerning. Ramona Sutherland says there are 26 confirmed cases of the lung infection, three probable and 134 under investigation. She adds that the volume of cases has kept council from proceeding with new housing construction.
“We haven’t done that yet because we haven’t had the go-ahead from the scientists and doctors to start our housing construction,” she said.
The cause of Blastomycosis is still unknown, and investigators have been kept busy going through patient interviews to learn more about the potential sources of the infection.
Sutherland who points out that council has been doing their best to help families wherever possible.
“So we have been helping a lot of families with financial help, and to attend the hospitals where their family members are,” she said.
