Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungus is found in soil, particularly around places where large amounts of bird or bat droppings accumulate. In the United States Histoplasma is most common in the central and eastern states, especially in the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys.
Histoplasmosis is caused by inhaling fungal spores that have been released into the air by activities that disturb the soil. Many people who are exposed to the fungus never get sick.
Most people with histoplasmosis will have a mild case with fever, cough and fatigue that goes away on its own in a few weeks. People with a weakened immune system may develop a more severe form of the disease and should seek medical attention.
As long as the diagnosis is made and antifungal therapy started in a timely fashion, histoplasmosis can be effectively treated with currently available therapies.
Learn more about what your next steps are after being diagnosed.