Deadly fungus strikes Joplin survivors

A rare fungal infection caused by an organism living in soil has been found in at least eight survivors of the Joplin tornado, Missouri health officials say. Three of the victims have died, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday. Their deaths bring the official total for the tornado to 151. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and U.S. Centers for Disease Control warned some survivors might not realize they are infected with murcomycosis. "People who have wounds that are not improving should seek medical attention immediately," said Dr. Benjamin Park, a medical officer in the CDC's mycotic disease branch. Experts say the infection is usually acquired by inhaling spores. It is most common in people with weakened immune systems. In Joplin, the 200 mph winds are likely to have carried spores that either landed on open wounds or penetrated the skin.