How Do You Prevent Histoplasmosis?
Histoplasmosis, an infection caused by the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus, is common in the eastern and central United States. Up to 80 percent of the people living in those areas may have the fungus on their skin. It usually affects the lungs but can spread to other organs. The disseminated form of histoplasmosis can be fatal if left untreated. The following steps will show how to prevent a case of histoplasmosis. Reduce the risk of exposure to Histoplasma capsulatum by avoiding areas with accumulated bat or bird droppings. Educate travelers to areas where histoplasmosis is endemic. Arrange leisure and work activities to limit exposure risks to Histoplasma. Consult the NIOSH/NCID Document Histoplasmosis: Protecting Workers at Risk, which provides information on work practices and personal protective equipment. It is available on the CDC website and can be obtained by requesting publication No. 97-146 from the following address: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pub
