articleThe Brief A CDC study suggests invasive mold infections may be more common and deadlier than previously recognized. Scientists say climate change and a growing population of vulnerable patients could increase the risk of serious mold infections. A new study suggests the threat of mold-associated illnesses may be severely underestimated. Previously, CDC researchers estimated more than 15,000 hospitalizations a year could be tied to invasive mold disease. What's next:It's hard to generalize what was seen in the Atlanta area to other parts of the country where mold may be more or less of a problem, researchers said.