One Dead and 36 Sickened in Outbreak of Lethal Fungus
A surge in cases of histoplasmosis, a potentially serious respiratory illness caused by a soil-dwelling fungus, has sickened dozens of people in Tennessee and claimed one life, health officials confirmed.
Outbreak Confirmed by Health Officials
The Tennessee Department of Health first identified the outbreak in December, when 18 cases of histoplasmosis were confirmed. Since then, the number of known infections has doubled. As of this week, 36 people have fallen ill, and one woman has died, according to state officials speaking to PEOPLE.
Among the early cases, a man with diabetes developed a severe infection that led to cardiac arrest, highlighting the dangers the disease poses to people with underlying health conditions.
What Is Histoplasmosis?
Histoplasmosis is caused by inhaling fungal spores commonly found in soil contaminated with bat or bird droppings, according to the Mayo Clinic. While many people exposed to the fungus never develop symptoms, the illness can be dangerous for infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms typically appear three to 17 days after exposure and resemble those of the flu. Common signs include fever, chills, headaches, dry cough, chest pain, and fatigue. In severe cases, the infection can spread beyond the lungs and become life-threatening.
Source of Exposure Remains Unclear
Health officials say they have not identified a single source of exposure, which is not unusual for histoplasmosis outbreaks.
“Histoplasmosis is commonly found throughout the soil in Tennessee, so it can be challenging to completely prevent exposure,” the Department of Health told PEOPLE. Officials added that people exposed to large amounts of spores or those with compromised immune systems face a higher risk of severe infection.
The spores can become airborne when contaminated soil is disturbed, such as during excavation, demolition, or construction projects.
Death Linked to Construction Activity
The victim has been identified as Alyssia Brown, a 39-year-old woman from Spring Hill, Tennessee, who died on December 15, her family told The New York Times. Her sister, Amity Brown, noted that Alyssia had recently mentioned the heavy construction activity in the area, including excavation and the demolition of older buildings.
Health officials have not confirmed a direct link between construction and the outbreak but say environmental disruption is a known risk factor for spreading fungal spores.
Public Health Advisory
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge people, especially those with weakened immune systems, to take precautions when exposed to dust or soil, particularly in areas undergoing construction.
While histoplasmosis is common in parts of the United States, outbreaks of this size are rare, and health officials say early diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing severe outcomes.
