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Histoplasmosis Facts <br /> Pagel of 3 <br /> Post-it®Fax Note 7671 Date #of <br /> DEkEFzextSOf 4�� pages w <br /> filo Pronlohotl T JA [_m Ear Lr,Q From <br /> ^ T�11(dllDll Histoplasmosis Co./Dept. ens1 �,ti, Co. <br /> Phone# 1 ! <br /> Phone# <br /> Fax# <br /> 3 Fax# � <br /> k • Histoplasmosis [his-toh-plaz-MOH-sis] is a fungal infection that varies in symptoms and <br />` seriousness. <br /> • Histoplasmosis usually affects the lungs and causes a short-term, treatable lung infection. When it <br /> affects other parts of the body, it is called disseminated histoplasmosis. Disseminated <br /> histoplasmosis can be fatal. <br /> • The histoplasmosis fungus lives in soil, especially soil that is enriched with bat or bird droppings. <br /> . People get histoplasmosis when they breathe in dust that contains the fungus. <br /> • Histoplasmosis is treatable with fungus-killing medicines. <br /> e To prevent histoplasmosis: 1) avoid exposure to dust from soil that might be contaminated with <br /> bat or bird droppings, and 2) avoid disturbing accumulations of bat or bird droppings. <br /> What is histoplasmosis? <br /> Histoplasmosis is an infection that varies in symptoms and seriousness. It usually affects the lungs. <br /> When it affects other parts of the body, it is called disseminated histoplasmosis. <br /> What is the infectious agent that causes histoplasmosis? <br /> Histoplasmosis is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, a fungus. The fungus produces spores that can be <br /> inhaled when they get into the air. Spores are hardy forms of the fungus that can live in the environment <br /> for a long time. <br /> Where is histoplasmosis found? <br /> The histoplasmosis fungus is found throughout the world. The fungus grows naturally in soil in some <br /> areas of the United States, mostly in the midwestern and southeastern states and along the Ohio and <br /> Mississippi River valleys. It thrives in soil that is enriched with bat or bird droppings. <br /> How do people get histoplasmosis? <br /> Histoplasmosis is spread through the air. If soil containing the histoplasmosis fungus is disturbed, the <br /> fungus spores get into the air. People can breathe in the spores and get histoplasmosis. The disease is not <br /> spread from person to person. <br /> http://www.dhpe.org/infect/histo.htm] 5/23/2008 <br />