CDC Study Finds Invasive Mold Infections Underappreciated

A first-of-its-kind U.S. study, published by the United States — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suggests invasive mold infections are an underappreciated and potentially deadly threat. The research, led by Jeremy Gold, detected about 450 cases in Atlanta-area hospitals over five years (2020-2024), with about a third of patients dying in the hospital. The study found hospitals can expect 3 to 5 cases per year per 100 inpatient beds, with higher rates at larger academic hospitals. Most patients had impaired immune systems or were weakened by COVID-19. The study highlights that mold exposure is a recurring problem after natural disasters influenced by climate change, and the frequency of fungal infections may increase. Jeffrey Jenks of Duke University called the findings valuable but noted the need for similar studies in other regions. The United States does not require doctors to report these illnesses, making this estimate significant.