(Thumbnail Image: PopFi/Duke University)

The headlines make it sound terrifying — killer fungus moving to the U.S. ...it’s going to spread!  But if you read further into the story scientists aren't as worried.

 
The Daily Mail reports on why the fungus could eventually spread and who’s affected by it now.
 
"...researchers have suggested the bug is changing possibly due to climate change…
Scientists are now warning the fungus, C. gattii, which has been found in Western North America and the Canadian province of British Columbia, could spread further."

HLN reports that it’s been around for a while, but there’s a new version that’s complicating things.
 
“It’s already infected dozens of people in Oregon and Washington State in the last five years.  A researcher says that the fungus was deadly in about a quarter of infected people there.  A new and dangerous strain of the virus could spread to Northern California.”
 
Fox News says although the fungus is spreading, it doesn’t really affect everyone.
 
“It affects only transplant patients or those who have asthma or respiratory diseases. But boy, that’s a creepy story.”
 
But CBC talked to one researcher who disagrees, saying this new strain is a threat to a more widespread population.
 
"This novel fungus is worrisome, because it appears to be a threat to otherwise healthy people."
 
The LA Times says although it’s not affecting many people yet, authorities will keep watch as it moves further south.
 
"Health authorities are not unduly alarmed by the fungus because the number of cases so far remains small, but both federal and state officials — including those in California — are monitoring its progress in the fear that it will spread more rapidly as it reaches warmer climates."

So is the media causing unwarranted fear?  Or should the media report any health issue no matter how small the threat?

Writer: Alyssa Caverley

Producer: Newsy Staff