How common is histoplasmosis? In the United States, an estimated 60% to 90% of people who live in areas surrounding the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys (where Histoplasma is common in the environment) have been exposed to the fungus at some point during their lifetime.
How easy is it to get histoplasmosis?
People usually get it from breathing in these spores when they become airborne during demolition or cleanup projects. Soil contaminated by bird or bat droppings also can spread histoplasmosis, putting farmers and landscapers at a higher risk of the disease.
How common is histoplasmosis in humans?
Histoplasmosis is a rare fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, which is found in the environment. A median of 184 cases of histoplasmosis are reported each year. Around 50 cases/year are classified epidemiologically as confirmed. Histoplasmosis occurs most frequently in middle-age and older adults.
Who is most at risk for histoplasmosis?
Certain groups of people are at higher risk for developing the severe forms of histoplasmosis:People who have weakened immune systems, for example, people who: Have HIV/AIDS. 1–2 Have had an organ transplant. 2–3 Are taking medications such as corticosteroids or TNF-inhibitors. 2,4Infants 5Adults aged 55 and older 6Histoplasmosis Risk & Prevention - Types of Fungal Diseases - CDC
Is histoplasmosis related to Covid 19?
These cases suggest that COVID-19 may facilitate the development of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis and, therefore, clinicians must be aware of this differential diagnosis in patients from endemic areas with fever and coughing after recovery from COVID-19.
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