A Wisconsin family is grappling with the devastating loss of Sonya Cruz, who succumbed to blastomycosis, a rare and dangerous fungal infection. This tragedy has prompted her husband, John Cruz, to raise awareness about the often-unheard-of illness. "Whatever this is, took my wife," he shared with Fox 6, emphasizing the need for greater public knowledge about the disease.

Blastomycosis, stemming from the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis, presents with flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, cough, muscle and joint pain, and chest discomfort. The fungus thrives in moist, wooded soils and releases spores into the air when disturbed, posing a risk of infection.

Wisconsin has the highest incidence of blastomycosis in the United States, with 2.1 cases per 100,000 residents. Data from the Wisconsin Department of Health reveals 1,142 cases between 2011 and 2020. Dr. Bruce Klein of the University of Wisconsin Medical School suggests the actual prevalence might be higher, as many cases present with mild or no symptoms.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports blastomycosis is also prevalent in other parts of the Midwest, South-Central, and Southeastern states, fatalities are uncommon. Between 1990 and 2010, approximately 1,200 deaths were attributed to the disease.

Sonya Cruz’s daughter, Shatrice Staten, expressed her grief and desire to prevent others from experiencing a similar loss. “I had to watch my mom take her last breath,” she shared, highlighting the devastating impact of this little-known illness.