Blastomycosis is a rare but sometimes serious infection caused by a fungus called Blastomyces. It mainly affects the lungs. People can get blastomycosis after being exposed to this fungus.
About half of the people who are infected with Blastomyces do not have any symptoms.
For people who do get symptoms, they can be mild or very serious. In some cases, the infection can become severe and even life-threatening.
If blastomycosis is not treated, the infection can spread and affect several parts of the body.
Causes and prevention
Blastomycosis is a sickness caused by a fungus called Blastomyces. This fungus lives in wet soil and in old wood or leaves that are rotting.
People can get blastomycosis when they breathe in tiny fungal spores in the air. This can happen when dirt that contains the fungus gets stirred up.
You should be extra careful when dirt is disturbed:
- Near water, like lakes, rivers, or streams
- During activities like gardening, camping, hunting, hiking, riding ATVs, or clearing brush
- Near digging areas or construction sites
If you start to feel sick, it is important to talk to a doctor. Symptoms can start 2 to 15 weeks after breathing in the spores.
There is no test that can check soil for this fungus. Because of this, it may help to avoid activities that stir up dirt in wooded areas or near the edge of water.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of blastomycosis may include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Chest pain
In some cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, such as the skin or bones.
Some people have a higher chance of getting sick. This includes people who:
- Smoke
- Have lung disease
- Have a weakened immune system
Blastomycosis cannot spread from person to person.
Treatment
People are usually treated with antifungal medicine. The medication needs to be taken for several months.
Antibiotics do not work against blastomycosis.
Resources
Learn more about Blastomycosis at the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website.
Blastomycosis, P-42030: Fact sheet describing signs and symptoms, treatment, and prevention of blastomycosis.
Blastomycosis and Pets, P-03191: Fact sheet describing the risk of blastomycosis to pets.
Blastomycosis: Employers and Workers, P-03246: Fact sheet describing the risk of blastomycosis due to occupation.
Listen to a podcast about Blastomycosis at the UW-Madison Think Blasto! website.