logo

Update: Boys soccer team trapped in cave at possible risk of rare infection

Cheryl Kahla
Jul 10, 2018
08:48 A.M.

While a rescue mission is underway to free the 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooded cave in Thailand, experts fear another danger.

Advertisement

As reported by ABC News, eight boys have already been freed, and the arduous mission continues, but some of the boys might be infected with a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum.

The infection is known as speleonosis or cave disease. It affects the lungs. Read more on our Twitter, @amomama_usa.

The fungus is found all over the world, from caves to riverbanks, and thrives in the soil where it is nourished by bird droppings or bat droppings.

Advertisement

The infection could be confused with flu as the symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, body aches and chest pain, as reported by Express.

Two of the four boys rescued thus far were tested positive for lung infections, but additional tests are required to test of speleonosis. So far, none of the boys have a fever.

Additional tests might require blood and urine samples, as well as x-rays and a CT scan, in some cases. Thankfully, the disease dissipates over time, but someone with severe symptoms would require additional medical treatments.

Advertisement

According to Live Science, the team might be quarantined before they will be allowed to reunite with their loved ones.

Other issues to pay attention to would be infections from minor scrapes and bruises, which could also lead to severe problems if not treated properly.

The soccer team, consisting of 12 boys aged 11 to 16 and their coach, went missing on June 23, after they were trapped by monsoon floods and were forced deeper into the Tham Luang caves in Thailand.

Advertisement

Search parties and divers found their belongings the following day, deep within the cave, and the search continued.

It took the diving teams more than nine days to locate the boys because they had to navigate difficult terrain through the confined passages and dangerous waters.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Mother's Fate Revealed after Her Two Sets of Twins Were Killed Days before Christmas

December 13, 2023

Inside Wendy Williams' Health Struggles: From a Public Faint to Fighting Chronic Illness for 2 Decades

February 23, 2024

6-Year-Old Texas Boy Dies Months after Alleged Attack by Neighbor with a Baseball Bat

November 17, 2023

Maria Menounos' Potential Death Sentence Made Her Think Her Husband Would Have to Raise Their Baby Alone

January 22, 2024

Patrick Dempsey & Wife Celebrate Daughter’s 22nd Birthday: Pics of Their ‘Absolutely Gorgeous’ Girl

February 21, 2024

Tavia Shackles Hunt Is a Beauty Queen Turned Community Volunteer and a Dedicated Mom: More about Clark Hunt's Wife

November 26, 2023

Boy Gives up Dream Shoes to Buy Boots for Poor Classmate, Soon Truck Stops at His House to Reward Him — Story of the Day

February 20, 2024

Olympic Ice Skater Scott Hamilton’s Brain Tumor Has Grown — His Wife & 4 Kids by His Side

February 22, 2024

Matthew Perry's Death Had Contributing Factors – Details

December 18, 2023

Patients Reveal the Most Awkward Doctor Visit They've Ever Had

November 22, 2023

What Susan Lucci Would Look like at 77 If She Didn’t Use Botox – Photo via AI

January 31, 2024

Elvis Presley Was Found Dead in Bathroom of House with 'Secret' Passageway — Photos of Graceland Mansion Now

December 12, 2023

Ryan O'Neal's Death Certificate Reveals He Suffered from One Illness for Years

December 23, 2023

Patients Reveal the Most Awkward Doctor Visit They've Ever Had

January 10, 2024