ESCANABA, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A contract worker at the Billerud paper mill in Escanaba has died from the blastomycosis fungal infection that forced the business to temporarily close for deep cleaning.

Public Health Delta and Menominee Counties (PHDM) announced the death on Friday, but did not release the person’s name or date of death.

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Billerud Operations Vice President Brian Peterson expressed sympathy on behalf of the company and the paper mill workers. “Everyone at Billerud is deeply saddened by this news,” Peterson said. “Anyone who works at our facility is a part of our team, and we are keeping this individual, their family, coworkers, and friends in our thoughts and close to our hearts.”

Officials with PHDM, who have been working closely with the company and infected workers, echoed Peterson’s sentiments. “We were saddened to hear this news,” PHDM Health Officer Michael Snyder said. “Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to the family, friends, and co-workers who have lost their loved one.”

The Billerud paper mill employs more than 800 people. PHDM confirmed 21 cases while 76 have been classified as probable cases. Roughly one dozen people have required hospitalization.

Company officials said the mill in Escanaba, which employs more than 800 people, will close for up to three weeks for scrubbing and deep cleaning.