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A deadly fungus that can infect cats and people is spreading

It’s just a matter of time before it reaches the U.S., a CDC expert warns

Two cats tussling. An orange striped cat with a white belly is on it's back on the ground, cracked pavement with grass growing through the cracks, while a multi-colored tabby pounces on the cat on the ground. Both cats have their ears back and appear to snarling. A fungus called Sporothrix brasiliensis spreads through cat bites and scratches, such as ones gotten through fighting.

A fungus that first started infecting cats in Brazil is spreading through South America. Cats, like these two brawling in the street in Brazil, can spread the disease by scratching and biting or by grooming.

Priscylla Barros/iStock/Getty Images Plus

By Tina Hesman Saey

WASHINGTON — Microbiologists are used to looking at gross pictures and hearing scary statistics.