It sounds like a plot straight out of a science fiction movie: A
new strain of a deadly airborne fungus in Oregon is set to
spread to California. But there's no need to sound the alarm,
doctors say. The new strain of the well-known Cryptococcus
gattii fungus is "worrisome" because it appears to be a threat
to otherwise healthy people, according to a report released
today by Duke University Medical Center. The fungus had
previously affected only people with weakened immune systems. It
is absorbed through the lungs and the symptoms of infection,
which can appear two to several months after exposure, can
include chest pain, shortness of breath, headache, fever and a
cough lasting weeks, according to researchers. Scientists at
Duke have called for awareness and vigilance regarding the
potentially harmful fungus, but doctors caution that while
increased research may be wise, the new strain should not be of
concern to the public. To make a big deal out of this would be
"a great example of the manufacturing of risk,