Health Information Portal (HIP)

Fungal Diseases

Fungal infections can be difficult to detect and as a result can lead to serious illness or death. PDPH takes a One Health approach to fungal diseases and recognizes the interconnectedness of humans, animals and the environment. Discover more about One Health from CDC. Fungal pathogens can cause infections in humans, animals and plants.

Fungal Disease Awareness Week

Fungal infections can often go undiagnosed, it’s important to “Think Fungus”. 

Every September the CDC and PDPH promote Fungal Disease Awareness Week.

In addition to Candida auris and A. fumigatus, the CDC also is raising awareness of other fungal diseases that may be found in this region including blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, and cryptococcal infections. 

Blastomycosis is caused by the Blastomyces fungus.

• This fungus lives in the environment, particularly in areas with decomposing wood or leaves. 
• Some people infected with blastomycosis may have flu-like symptoms.
• Infections can become serious if not treated. 

Histoplasmosis is caused by the Histoplasma fungus.

• This fungus lives in the environment, particularly in soil with many bird or bat droppings.
• Common symptoms are fever, cough, and fatigue.
• While many people will recover on their own, those with weakened immune systems may suffer severe infections. 

Cryptococcal infections are usually caused by Cryptococcus neoformans.

• This fungus lives in the environment.
• It rarely causes infections in healthy individuals most commonly occurring in individuals with advanced HIV/AIDS.
• Infections can occur in the lungs and spread to the brain, causing cryptococcal meningitis.
• Timely identification and treatment is lifesaving.

Related Links:

• Review slides from the webinar about the changing epidemiology of fungal pathogens conducted during Fungal Disease Awareness week in September 2020.
• Read about personal stories with fungal diseases from CDC for more information on these infections and how they have affected real people.