Histoplasmosis

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Histoplasmosis is a fungus disease that affects the lungs and may occasionally invade other parts of the body. It is a rare disease with fewer than 12 cases reported in upstate New York each year. Anyone can get histoplasmosis. It is known more often in immunocompromised individuals, such as AIDS patients. Birds bats, dogs, cats, rats, skunks, opossum, foxes and other animals can get histoplasmosis and may play a role in distribution the disease.

The disease is acquired by inhaling the spore phase of the fungus. Outbreaks may occur in groups with common exposures to bird or bat dung or recently disturbed, impure 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 disease.

Symptoms may show within five to 18 days after exposure. However, most people do not skill symptoms. Exact medications such as amphotericin B are available. Minimize exposure to dust in contaminated and with these environments such as chicken coops and their surrounding soil. Use of a defensive mask and spraying the area with water may be helpful in minimizing contact to dust.

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