A recent study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shed light on the prevalence of invasive mold disease, a potentially deadly infection that may be more common than previously thought. Researchers identified approximately 450 cases of the disease across hospitals in the Atlanta area between 2020 and 2024, with roughly one-third of those patients succumbing to the illness while hospitalized. The study’s findings offer a clearer picture of a disease that is not required to be reported to public health officials, making it challenging to track nationwide.
According to Dr. Jeremy Gold, the study’s senior author at the CDC, “It’s kind of the first time we’ve had an estimate like this.” The CDC has previously estimated that invasive mold disease is linked to more than 15,000 hospitalizations in the United States each year. The study’s findings suggest that hospitals could expect about three to five cases each year for every 100 inpatient beds, with larger academic medical centers seeing the highest rates because they often care for the sickest patients. Many of the patients had weakened immune systems or were recovering from COVID-19.
Experts warn that the threat of invasive mold disease could grow in the coming years due to climate change and an aging population. Hurricanes, flooding, and other extreme weather events can increase exposure to dangerous mold, while older adults and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to serious infections. Dr. Jeffrey Jenks, an infectious disease specialist at Duke University, agrees that the frequency of fungal infections will likely increase with climate change.
Invasive mold disease is caused by certain types of mold that can enter the body through inhaled spores, open wounds, or contaminated medical equipment. While most healthy people are unaffected, the infection can become life-threatening for cancer patients, transplant recipients, older adults, and others with weakened immune systems. The study’s findings could help hospitals recognize whether their case numbers are typical or could signal a larger problem, although similar studies in other parts of the country will be needed to better understand the national impact.
