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Blastomycosis is a rare infection caused by a fungus. The fungus is called Blastomyces. The infection most often affects the lungs and can cause symptoms that are similar to the flu or pneumonia. In some cases, the infection can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, like the skin, bones, or brain.
read more about blastomycosis ...The infection is caused by breathing in the microscopic spores of the fungus. This fungus lives in the environment, especially in damp soil, rotting wood, and leaves. When this soil is dug up or moved, the spores can get into the air. People who work or play in wooded areas are at a higher risk.
Not everyone who breathes in the spores gets sick. If you do, symptoms can start weeks or months later. The first symptoms are often in the lungs and include a fever, cough, chest pain, and feeling very tired. If the infection spreads, you may get sores on your skin that look like warts or ulcers, or you may have bone or joint pain.
A doctor will ask about your symptoms and if you have been in any areas where the fungus is common. To diagnose the infection, a doctor must find the fungus in your body. This is done by taking a sample of your phlegm (sputum), a small piece of skin from a sore, or by doing a blood or urine test to look for the fungus.
Blastomycosis must be treated with prescription antifungal medicine. For mild cases, a doctor will prescribe antifungal pills. For very severe cases, especially if the infection is in the brain or has spread, you may need to get a stronger antifungal medicine through an IV in the hospital. Treatment can last for several months to a year.
Is blastomycosis contagious?
No. You cannot get blastomycosis from another person or from an animal. The only way to get it is by breathing in the fungal spores from the environment.
Where is this fungus found?
The *Blastomyces* fungus is found in certain parts of North America, especially in the midwestern, south-central, and southeastern United States and in parts of Canada.
Is blastomycosis dangerous?
Yes. If it is not treated, blastomycosis can be a very serious disease, especially if the infection spreads from your lungs to other parts of your body.
You should see a doctor if you have a cough, fever, and chest pain that does not go away. It is very important to tell your doctor if you have spent time in wooded areas or have been around disturbed soil. You should also see a doctor for any new skin sores that are not healing.