Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. The fungus usually grows in soil enriched with accumulations of bat or bird droppings. The disease is acquired via inhalation of spores (conidia) from contaminated soil.
Persons who visit endemic areas and are exposed to accumulations of bat guano or bird droppings are at increased risk for infection. Activities such as spelunking, mining, construction, excavation, demolition, roofing, chimney cleaning, farming, gardening and installing heating and air-conditioning systems are known to be associated with disease (high-risk activities).
Travellers involved in ecotourism or adventure tourism in endemic areas of Central and South America are also at increased risk for infection. While in caves or mines, spending time close to the ground or kicking up dirt infested with bat guano containing H. capsulatum can increase the risk of infection. Histoplasmosis is not transmitted directly from person to person.
Persons at increased risk for severe disease should be advised to avoid high-risk areas, such as bat-inhabited caves. If exposure cannot be avoided, persons should be advised to decrease dust generation in infested areas by watering the areas before engaging in dust-generating activities and to wear masks and special protective equipment. Hosing off footwear and placing clothing in airtight bags to be laundered after engaging in high-risk activites could also decrease the potential exposure. Transportation of soil, guano, and other potential fomites should be avoided. No effective vaccine is currently available.
Note: Histoplasmosis is endemic in some French territories, French Guyana, French West Indies, New Caledonia, as well as parts of North America, including the Ohio and Mississippi Valleys, and South America.
