Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by a fungus called Histoplasma
capsulatum. Approximately 10 cases are reported each year in
Wisconsin.
Many people infected with histoplasmosis do not become ill. When a
person develops symptoms, it usually involves the lungs and is
characterized by weakness, chills, fever, muscle aches, chest pains, and
a dry cough. Chronic lung infections resemble tuberculosis and may
progress over months or years.
Histoplasma capsulatum is found throughout the world including
the United States. The fungus often grows in soil around chicken houses,
areas harboring bats, caves, and under starling and blackbird roosts.
General information
Histoplasmosis
fact sheet (PDF, 16 KB) Hmong (PDF,
12 KB) Spanish (PDF,
14 KB)
Information for health professionals
This is a Wisconsin Disease Surveillance Category II disease:
Report to
the patient's local public health department electronically, through the Wisconsin
Electronic Disease Surveillance System
(WEDSS), by mail or fax using an Acute and Communicable Disease Case
Report F-44151 (PDF,
167 KB) or by other means within 72 hours upon recognition of a
case. DHS
Communicable Disease Reporting
Wisconsin case reporting and public health
follow-up guidelines:
Histoplasmosis
EpiNet (PDF, 23 KB)
Contacts
Wisconsin
Local Health Departments - Regional offices - Tribal agencies
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Last Revised:
September 25, 2012 |
