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* Histoplasmosis Outbreak: Tennessee is experiencing an increase in cases of histoplasmosis, a fungal infection. While not new to the state, officials are investigating to see if preventative measures can be taken.A specific source of the outbreak near Nashville (Williamson and maury counties) hasn’t been identified yet.
* Symptoms & Importance of Care: Individuals with respiratory illness or a fever that doesn’t improve should seek medical attention.
* Expanding Range: The geographic range of the fungus causing histoplasmosis (Histoplasma capsulatum) in the US has been expanding, historically being most common in the Ohio and mississippi River basins.
* Diagnostic Challenges: Histoplasmosis can be arduous to diagnose as its symptoms mimic other illnesses, and many infections are mild or asymptomatic. this makes assessing the outbreak’s extent and finding the source challenging.
* Updated Guidelines: The Infectious Diseases Society of America recently updated its clinical practice guidelines for managing histoplasmosis for the first time in 18 years, emphasizing the importance of keeping guidelines current with new knowledge.
* Contact Information: Dr. Sandra Arnold (sarnold5@uthsc.edu) is available for further information.
The article was published by Healio infectious disease News.
