Infection-causing fungi responsible for millions of deaths each year are expected to spread significantly to new regions as the planet heats up, new research warns — and the world is not prepared.

Fungi are found everywhere — a vast kingdom of organisms ranging from mold to mushrooms, thriving in environments like soil, compost, and water. They play an essential role in ecosystems but can also wreak havoc on human health. Fungal infections are estimated to kill 2.5 million people annually — a number likely underreported due to limited data.

Yet our understanding of fungi, particularly how these highly adaptable organisms will respond to a warming climate, remains limited.

A team of scientists from the University of Manchester used computer simulations and climate forecasts to map the future spread of Aspergillus— a common group of fungi found worldwide that can cause aspergillosis, a life-threatening disease that primarily affects the lungs.

They found that certain *Aspergillus* species are likely to expand their range as the climate crisis deepens, moving into new areas of North America, Europe, China, and Russia. The study, published this month, is currently under peer review.

“Fungi are relatively under-researched compared to viruses and parasites, but these maps show that fungal pathogens will likely impact most areas of the world in the future,” said Norman van Rijn, one of the study’s authors and a climate change and infectious diseases researcher at the University of Manchester.

The field has gained renewed attention thanks to HBO’s popular drama *The Last of Us*, which imagines a world overrun by a mutant fungal infection. While fictional, van Rijn hopes the show raises awareness about the very real and rising threat of fungal diseases.

*Aspergillus* fungi grow as small filaments in soil across the globe. Like most fungi, they release vast numbers of microscopic spores that spread through the air. Humans inhale these spores daily, but most people’s immune systems are able to clear them without issue.

For people with underlying lung conditions — including asthma, cystic fibrosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — and for those with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, or those recovering from severe flu or Covid-19, the threat is far greater.

If the body fails to eliminate the spores, the fungus can begin to grow and destroy tissue. “It starts to grow and basically kind of eat you from the inside out, saying it really bluntly,” van Rijn said.

Aspergillosis carries high mortality rates — around 20% to 40%, van Rijn noted. It’s also notoriously difficult to diagnose, as symptoms such as fever and cough often mimic more common illnesses, and many doctors don’t initially suspect fungal infection.

Fungal pathogens are also becoming more resistant to treatment. There are only four classes of antifungal drugs available, and resistance is rising.

That’s alarming as the climate crisis opens up new areas for fungi to colonize. *Aspergillus flavus*, a species that thrives in hot, tropical climates, could expand its range by 16% if fossil fuel emissions remain high. It’s predicted to move into parts of North America, northern China, and Russia. Not only is *A. flavus* resistant to many antifungals, but it can also infect food crops — threatening both public health and food security. In 2022, the World Health Organization added *Aspergillus flavus* to its critical group of fungal pathogens due to its health impact and resistance risks.

Meanwhile, *Aspergillus fumigatus*, which prefers temperate climates, is predicted to spread northward toward the Arctic. Its range could grow by 77.5% by 2100, potentially exposing up to 9 million people in Europe.

Paradoxically, some regions — including parts of sub-Saharan Africa — could become too hot for *Aspergillus* to survive. But this isn’t necessarily good news. Fungi are vital to ecosystems, including maintaining soil health.

A warming world may also be increasing fungi’s temperature tolerance, enabling more species to survive and thrive inside the human body. Extreme weather events — droughts, floods, and heatwaves — can also help disperse fungal spores over vast distances. After the 2011 tornado in Joplin, Missouri, for example, there was a spike in fungal infections.

The new *Aspergillus* study “rightfully highlights the threat posed by naturally occurring fungi and the world’s lack of preparedness for changes in their spread,” said Elaine Bignell, co-director of the MRC Centre for Medical Mycology at the University of Exeter, who was not involved in the research.

However, many uncertainties remain. “There’s still a huge amount of research to be done,” Bignell told CNN.

Despite the deadly nature of aspergillosis, there’s a lack of data on where the fungus lives in the environment and who’s being infected, said Justin Remais, a professor of environmental health sciences at UC Berkeley. He is leading a study of more than 100 million patient records across the U.S., which identified over 20,000 aspergillosis cases between 2013 and 2023. The number of cases is increasing by about 5% annually, he said.

“Fungal pathogens are becoming increasingly common and resistant to treatment, and we are only beginning to understand how climate change is contributing,” Remais noted.

People are used to hearing about diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites—but far less about those caused by fungi. “There is a desperate need to reverse this trend given the lethality,” Bignell said.

"Any of us could be affected in the future."

August’s scorching weather has made even short trips outside exhausting and turned nights into sweaty, sleepless ordeals. With no air conditioning in many homes, people are using ice packs, wet towels, frozen water bottles and electric fans to cope. But a fan might not be doing you any favours; in fact, if you use it the wrong way, it could be raising your risk of a heart attack.

What the study says

A new study from the University of Sydney has found that while fans can make you feel blissful during a heatwave, they can also push your body into dangerous territory, particularly if you’re dehydrated. Researchers wanted to understand exactly how fans affect our bodies in hot and humid conditions, so they put 20 volunteers into a climate-controlled space set to 39.2 degrees Celsius with 49 per cent humidity.

The participants weren’t just asked to sit there and suffer. Scientists tracked their heart rate, core temperature, sweating, and comfort levels, both when they were properly hydrated and when they had been deliberately dehydrated (by avoiding fluids and water-rich foods for 24 hours). Each hydration state was tested twice — once with a fan blowing and once without.

Sweat, strain, and a shocking finding

The study revealed that using a fan while dehydrated increased sweat losses by around 60 per cent. Now, sweating might sound like a good thing when you’re overheating, but in this case, it pushed the body into a dangerous loop: more sweat loss means more dehydration, which means more cardiovascular strain. That extra strain can, in extreme cases, trigger heart attacks, particularly in vulnerable individuals.

Connor Graham, PhD, who led the study, explained that fans can help keep you cooler at temperatures up to around 39–40 degrees Celsius. But when the air gets hotter than your skin, the fan can actually heat your body faster than it can cool itself. Most extreme heat decedents do not have air conditioning but often own electric fans, he said. In hotter conditions, fans should be turned off, as they can worsen heat stress.

Why hydration is important

The study says that hydration is a game-changer. When the volunteers were well hydrated, fans were far less risky, even in the extreme heat chamber. But when hydration levels were low, the fan’s effects tipped from helpful to harmful, sending heart rate and body strain higher.

This is because sweat is our body’s primary cooling mechanism. When you’re hydrated, you can produce enough sweat to evaporate and take heat away from your body. But if you’re already running on empty, a fan simply accelerates fluid loss without actually cooling you enough. That’s like trying to run your car on fumes while flooring the accelerator.

Heatwaves, Britain, and fan habits

In the UK, people are not exactly built for this kind of weather. Their homes are designed to trap warmth, not keep it out, which is why fans are practically flying off the shelves in high street stores right now. But unlike in countries where air conditioning is the norm, we often rely on fans as our only cooling option and that’s where this warning matters.

It’s easy to assume that “more fan” means “more cool”. The reality is a bit more complicated. In moderately hot weather, a fan can help your sweat evaporate and keep you feeling comfortable. In extreme heat, particularly if your flat feels like a slow cooker, a fan can just push hot air onto your body, speeding up dehydration and heart strain.

How to use fans safely in a heatwave

Don’t chuck your fan in the bin just yet. Here are some science-backed ways to stay safe while keeping cool:

• Stay hydrated first — Drink water regularly throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty. Herbal teas and diluted juices also count.
• Use fans strategically — Aim them across your body, not directly at your face, and combine them with open windows to improve airflow.
• Cool the room, not just yourself — Place a bowl of ice in front of the fan so it blows chilled air.
• Turn it off during extreme heat — If indoor temperatures are hotter than 40 degrees Celsius (or feel like it), skip the fan and switch to other cooling methods.
• Know your limits — Older adults, people with heart conditions, and those on certain medications are more vulnerable to heat strain.

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is urging residents to monitor for symptoms of measles after confirming the city’s fifth case of the year. Officials say the individual, who has not been identified, likely contracted the virus while travelling in western Canada. While the risk to the general public remains low, OPH warns that certain people may have been exposed at specific locations around the city between August 5 and 8.

Potential Exposure Sites in Ottawa

In its Thursday alert, OPH listed several businesses and venues where possible exposure could have occurred:

• Shoppers Drug Mart, 702 Bank St., Aug. 5 from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Michaels, 165 Trainyards Dr., Aug. 5 from 8:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Fitness Lab, 34 Beech St., Aug. 6 from 5:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
• Wilf and Ada’s, 510 Bank St., Aug. 7 from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Izakaya Shingen, 201 Bank St., Aug. 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cineplex Odeon, 2385 City Park Dr., Aug. 8 during the 6:50 p.m. screening of Fantastic Four: First Steps

Officials advise anyone who visited these locations during the listed times to watch for symptoms such as cough, fever, red eyes, and rash for 21 days after the possible exposure.

Exposure at Ottawa Hospital’s Emergency Department

The Ottawa Hospital has confirmed the same patient visited the General campus emergency department on August 11, waiting for several hours before being assessed in the early hours of August 12. Dr. Eric Eckbo, an infection control physician at the hospital, said measles was suspected during the examination. Infection control measures, including masking and isolation, were immediately implemented, and OPH was contacted.

Hospital staff are now following up with anyone who may have been exposed during that time, including immune-compromised individuals at higher risk of complications. Most people exposed will not develop measles due to immunity from vaccination or previous infection.

ALSO READ: Measles Death In Liverpool Highlights Vaccine Urgency For Children: Here's What Parents Need To know

Part of a Larger Outbreak

Ontario has been dealing with a significant measles outbreak this year, with 2,362 cases reported as of August 12, according to Public Health Ontario. Two of Ottawa’s five cases are linked to this provincial outbreak. Alberta is also experiencing a large number of cases, with dozens of new infections reported weekly.

No Local Transmission Detected

Despite these numbers, OPH says there is still no evidence of local measles transmission in Ottawa in 2025. Health officials credit this to high vaccination coverage in the community. However, they stress that measles remains one of the most contagious viruses and that the measles-containing vaccine is the most effective protection.

Advice for the Public

People who develop symptoms are urged to contact their primary healthcare provider before visiting any medical facility. If a hospital visit is necessary, they should wear a mask and inform staff immediately upon arrival. Those unable to get vaccinated, such as infants and people with compromised immune systems, are particularly vulnerable and should take extra precautions.

Canada eliminated measles in the 1990s due to strong vaccination programs, but declining immunization rates worldwide are fueling its return. Ottawa health officials are reminding residents that staying up to date on vaccinations remains the best way to prevent outbreaks.

From September, Eli Lilly will raise the UK price of its diabetes and weight-loss drug Mounjaro by as much as 170%. The US pharmaceutical giant says the increase will align UK costs with those in other developed nations and address “pricing disparities.”

The NHS will not be affected for now. The price surge is aimed at private patients and providers, who often negotiate discounts behind closed clinic doors. But for those paying out of pocket, the jump is steep, the highest monthly dose will soar from £122 to £330, while lower doses will rise by 45 to 138 per cent.

For many, this is more than a wallet shock. It could mean rethinking whether to continue treatment, especially since Mounjaro is often taken long term to maintain results. With so much at stake, here’s a closer look at what the drug does, who it’s for, and the benefits and risks to consider.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro, the brand name for tirzepatide, is an injectable medication, notes Diabetes UK, and is approved in the UK for type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for obesity. It is part of a newer class of drugs that not only control blood sugar but also promote significant weight loss.

Unlike earlier medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, both of which were based on semaglutide, Mounjaro works by activating two hormone receptors: GLP-1 and GIP, at the same time. This “dual agonist” approach appears to produce greater weight loss than single-receptor drugs.

How Does it Work?

Mounjaro increases levels of natural hormones called incretins. These hormones help the body release more insulin when needed, reduce glucose production by the liver, and slow digestion so you feel fuller for longer.

The result is a two-pronged effect:

Better blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes

Reduced appetite and calorie intake leading to weight loss

In clinical trials, people taking the highest dose (15 mg weekly) lost up to 21 per cent of their body weight. That’s on par with some bariatric surgeries, but without the invasive procedure.

Who Can Take Mounjaro?

For type 2 diabetes

Adults aged 18 and over who have not been able to control blood sugar with other medications, or who cannot tolerate them due to side effects or other conditions.

Typically prescribed if the person also has a BMI of 35 kg/m² or higher with obesity-related health issues, though exceptions exist for those with lower BMIs in certain ethnic groups or specific medical needs.

For obesity

In England and Wales: Recommended for people with a BMI of at least 35 kg/m² and related health conditions, including type 2 diabetes. Lower thresholds apply for some ethnic groups.

In Scotland: Available for people with a BMI of at least 30 kg/m² plus one obesity-related condition.

The Benefits

Significant weight loss that can improve or reverse obesity-related health problems

Improved blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes

Once-weekly dosing with a pre-filled pen for convenience

May reduce risk of complications from diabetes, though more research is ongoing for cardiovascular benefits

The Risks and Side Effects

Like other drugs in its class, Mounjaro can cause:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion
• Risk of low blood sugar if taken with insulin or certain other diabetes drugs
• Possible risk of high blood sugar if insulin doses are cut too quickly
• In animal studies, an increased risk of thyroid tumors, whether this applies to humans is still unknown

Long-term safety data is limited since the drug is relatively new. Some people may also regain weight if they stop taking it.

Cost and Access Challenges

On the NHS, Mounjaro is free for those eligible under treatment guidelines, but rollout is gradual due to costs and support service limitations. Access for weight loss alone is prioritized for those with the highest clinical need.

Private prescriptions vary in cost and availability. After the September price hike, the financial burden will be significant for many patients, especially since ongoing treatment is often required to maintain benefits.

Life Without the Jab

If the higher cost puts Mounjaro out of reach, lifestyle changes can still deliver meaningful results. Strategies that mimic some of its effects include:

• Eating high-protein meals to promote satiety
• Choosing high-fibre foods to slow digestion
• Limiting ultra-processed foods that spike blood sugar
• Regular physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity