Histoplasmosis

What is histoplasmosis?

Histoplasmosis is a fungus infection that affects the lungs and may occasionally invade other parts of the body. It is an uncommon disease with fewer than 12 cases reported in upstate New York each year.

Anyone can get histoplasmosis. It is recognized more often in immunocompromised individuals, such as AIDS patients. Birds (especially chickens), bats, dogs, cats, rats, skunks, opossum, foxes and other animals can get histoplasmosis and may play a role in spreading the disease.

The disease is acquired by inhaling the spore stage of the fungus. Outbreaks may occur in groups with common exposures to bird or bat droppings or recently disturbed, contaminated soil found in chicken coops, caves, etc. Person-to-person spread of histoplasmosis does not occur.

Symptoms vary from mild to severe, ranging from flu-like illness to serious lung infection.

Symptoms may appear within five to 18 days (usually 10 days) after exposure. However, most people do not experience symptoms.

Infection usually results in increased resistance to infection, although the immunity is not complete.

Specific medications such as Amphotericin B are available.

Minimize exposure to dust in contaminated and enclosed environments such as chicken coops and their surrounding soil. Use of a protective mask and spraying the area with water may be helpful in minimizing exposure to dust.

New York State Department of Health