HISTOPLASMOSIS: Protecting Workers at Risk

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http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hi97146.html

DHHS (NIOSH) PUBLICATION

NO. 97-146 SEPTEMBER 1997

Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by inhaling the spores

of a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. Histoplasmosis is not

contagious; it cannot be transmitted from an infected person or

animal to someone else.

Histoplasmosis primarily affects a person's lungs, and its symptoms

vary greatly. The vast majority of infected people are asymptomatic

(have no apparent ill effects), or they experience symptoms so mild

they do not seek medical attention and may not even realize that

their illness was histoplasmosis. If symptoms do occur, they will

usually start within 3 to 17 days after exposure, with an average of

10 days. Histoplasmosis can appear as a mild, flu-like respiratory

illness and has a combination of symptoms, including malaise (a

general ill feeling), fever, chest pain, dry or nonproductive cough,

headache, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, joint and muscle

pains, chills, and hoarseness. A chest X-ray can reveal distinct

markings on an infected person's lungs.