THUNDER BAY — Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Derek Fox is asking the federal and Ontario governments to support Constance Lake First Nation as it deals with a health emergency.
The First Nation, 40 kilometres west of Hearst, declared a State of Emergency due to a deadly lung infection.
The suspected cause is blastomycosis, caused by a fungus that grows in moist soil, leaves or rotting wood.
Three people have died and 16 other people are in hospital.
In a statement Tuesday, NAN said the source of the fungal spores is still unknown, which increases the risk of further exposure.
"This is an extremely serious situation, and we appreciate the support and cooperation the community has received so far," Fox said.
"We are hopeful that environmental testing will help the community understand and contain the problem as quickly as possible."
He said there's an urgent need fo testing to happen immediately to find the source of the spores.
