Health Officials Warn of Deadly Fungus in Tennessee

Health officials are sounding the alarm as a potentially dangerous fungus spreads in Tennessee.

Recent data from the Tennessee Department of Health indicates more than 35 confirmed cases of histoplasmosis—a lung infection linked to the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum—in the Murray and Williamson counties over the past three months. There are claims from a family that a woman contracted histoplasmosis and died shortly after testing positive for it, just two days post-mortem.

During a meeting with the Williamson County Commission, state epidemiologists shared that the investigation is still underway, and they couldn’t confirm if the infection caused any of the deaths. Notably, they mentioned that the average age of those affected is around 50 years.

The fungus typically emerges from soil tainted with bird and bat droppings, and the infection occurs when spores are inhaled. Interestingly, no specific common source for the infections has been identified in this outbreak.

For most individuals, an infection might not lead to serious illness, yet histoplasmosis can trigger respiratory problems that vary from mild discomfort to severe complications. Symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, headache, body aches, chills, and chest pain, generally appearing within 3 to 17 days after exposure.

These symptoms can often mimic those of a cold or flu, making diagnosis tricky. Individuals with immune system vulnerabilities are particularly at risk for severe manifestations, which can lead to chronic lung issues or, in rare situations, meningitis. While many do not require treatment, severe cases may necessitate antifungal medications. Some patients in Tennessee have been hospitalized, with officials confirming that some are in “critical condition.”

Testing for histoplasmosis can be done through samples of blood or urine in a lab, and other diagnostic methods include respiratory fluid tests, X-rays, CT scans, and tissue biopsies.

To avoid infection, health experts recommend minimizing activity in areas where soil is disturbed and wearing masks during high-risk outdoor activities.

It’s interesting to note that, prior to this outbreak, histoplasmosis was classified as a “reportable disease” in only 14 states, according to the CDC. The infection is not transmitted between humans, nor from humans to animals.

Individuals experiencing symptoms and suspecting potential exposure to the Histoplasma fungus should reach out to their healthcare provider for testing, particularly if regular antibiotics haven’t provided relief.