People can get histoplasmosis after breathing in the microscopic fungal spores from the air. Although most people who breathe in the spores don't get sick, those who do may have a fever, cough, and fatigue.
How common is histoplasmosis?
Histoplasmosis is the most common endemic fungal infection in North America that affects the lungs. Each year, up to 250,000 people in the U.S. are found to have histoplasmosis.
How long does it take to get histoplasmosis?
Symptoms of histoplasmosis may appear between 3 and 17 days after a person breathes in the fungal spores.
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 6
Who usually gets histoplasmosis?
Anyone can get histoplasmosis. It is recognized more often in immunocompromised individuals, such as in people with HIV or AIDS. 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.
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