Blastomycosis is an infection caused by a fungus called Blastomyces. The fungus lives in the environment, particularly in moist soil and in decomposing matter such as wood and leaves. People can get blastomycosis after breathing in the microscopic fungal spores from the air. Although most people who breathe in the spores don’t get sick, some of those who do may have flu-like symptoms, and the infection can sometimes become serious if it is not treated.
Symptoms of Blastomycosis:
Fever is a common symptom of blastomycosis.
Approximately half of people who are infected with the fungus Blastomyces will show symptoms. The symptoms of blastomycosis are often similar to the symptoms of flu or other lung infections, and can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Night sweats
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Weight loss
- Chest pain
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
How soon do the symptoms of blastomycosis appear?
Symptoms of blastomycosis usually appear between 3 weeks and 3 months after a person breathes in the fungal spores.
Severe blastomycosis
In some people, particularly those who have weakened immune systems, blastomycosis can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, such as the skin, bones and joints, and the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord).
How is blastomycosis treated?
Most people with blastomycosis will need treatment with prescription antifungal medication. Itraconazole is a type of antifungal medication that is typically used to treat mild to moderate blastomycosis. Amphotericin B is usually recommended for severe blastomycosis in the lungs or infections that have spread to other parts of the body. Depending on the severity of the infection and the person’s immune status, the course of treatment can range from six months to one year.
Blastomycosis Risk & Prevention:
Who gets blastomycosis?
Anyone can get blastomycosis if they’ve been in an area where Blastomyces lives in the environment. People who participate in outdoor activities that expose them to wooded areas (such as forestry work, hunting, and camping) in these areas may be at higher risk for getting blastomycosis.People who have weakened immune systems may be more likely to develop severe blastomycosis than people who are otherwise healthy.
Is blastomycosis contagious?
No. Blastomycosis can’t spread between people or between people and animals.
Can my pets get blastomycosis?
Yes. Pets, particularly dogs, can get blastomycosis, but it is not contagious between animals and people.The symptoms of blastomycosis in animals are similar to the symptoms in humans. If you are concerned about your pet’s risk of getting blastomycosis or if you think that your pet has blastomycosis, please talk to a veterinarian.
How can I prevent blastomycosis?
There is no vaccine to prevent blastomycosis, and it may not be possible to completely avoid being exposed to the fungus that causes blastomycosis in areas where it is common in the environment. People who have weakened immune systems may want to consider avoiding activities that involve disrupting soil in these areas.
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