Epidemiologic Highlight

Cutaneous mucormycosis following 2011 tornado in Missouri

A cluster of necrotizing cutaneous mucormycosis cases caused by Apophysomyces trapeziformis occurred among 13 persons severely injured in the May 22, 2011, tornado in Joplin, Missouri, U.S. (Benedict and Park, 2014). The risk factors for mucormycosis were penetrating trauma and increased number of wounds. Sequencing of A. trapeziformis isolated from case-patients wounds showed 4 closely related strains. This finding and case-patients’ medical care at different hospitals, suggest the infections were acquired from environmental exposure to organic matter and water.