Histoplasmosis and blastomycosis are reportable fungal diseases in Arkansas. They are microscopic fungi that can be found in soil, and people can become infected when they are exposed to spores. Illness from fungal infections can be difficult to diagnose and treat because symptoms typically appear as flu-like. Dogs and cats are also susceptible to these diseases. Fungal diseases are not spread from person-to-person, and in extremely rare instances can be spread from animal-to-person. While everyone is at risk for getting sick from fungal infections, individuals with weakened immune systems are most likely to develop severe illness. as Another reportable fungal disease is coccidioidomycosis (valley fever), which can be developed after traveling to an area where the fungi are common, such as southwestern states Arizona, New Mexico, and California.

Histoplasmosis

Infection from histoplasmosis occurs when someone is exposed to the fungal spores. Histoplasmosis is most likely found in soil enriched by bird or bat fecal matter. Illness can develop 3 to 14 days after exposure, and the most common symptoms are cough, fever, headache, chest pain, and fatigue. Diagnosis of histoplasmosis requires testing and consultation from a doctor. Most cases of histoplasmosis are mild and treated with an antifungal medication. Histoplasmosis can be difficult to diagnose due to its non-specific symptoms. It is important to let your healthcare provider know if you may have had any potential exposures, such as prolonged outdoor activities (especially those that disrupt soil), maintaining backyard poultry, exploring caves, or cleaning or remodeling old buildings. Arkansas typically has 75-90 cases reported per year.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis is less common than histoplasmosis in Arkansas, with only 15 cases per year being reported in Arkansas. Exposure to blastomycosis is more likely to occur near damp soil that is close to bodies of freshwater. Outdoor activities such as forestry work, hunting, camping, or digging in soil may increase the risk of being exposed to spores. The most common symptoms are fever, cough, night sweats, chest pain, fatigue, muscle aches, and skin lesions. Symptoms typically appear 3 to 15 weeks after exposure and is treated with antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor.

Downloads & Resources:

• 2012-2022 Surveillance Summary Report | Poster
• Fungal Diseases (CDC)
• Reportable Disease List
• Disease Reporting Form

Contact Us

Zoonotic Disease
4815 W. Markham St., Slot 62
Little Rock, AR
Phone: 501-280-4136
Fax: 501-280-4431
Email: [email protected]