Key points
- About half of the people who breathe in fungal spores from Blastomyces become sick with blastomycosis.
- Risk of infection is higher among certain ethnic groups and among people who do more outdoor activities.
- People who are pregnant and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk of severe illness.
Who's at risk
Racial and ethnic groups
People from certain racial and ethnic groups may have higher rates of Blastomyces infection or hospitalization. These differences might be related to social determinants of health.
Severe illness
Some conditions weaken the immune system and increase the risk for developing severe blastomycosis. Examples include:
- Advanced HIV/AIDS.
- Organ transplantation.
- Taking medications such as corticosteroids or TNF-inhibitors.
- Pregnancy.
Activities that can increase risk
Blastomycosis is caused by breathing in fungal spores from Blastomyces living in soil and decomposed wood. In areas where Blastomyces live, some outdoor activities can stir more spores into the air and increase risk for infection.
These activities may include forestry work, hunting, fishing, and camping as well as digging and excavation. High winds can also increase risk.
Pets and blastomycosis
Pets, particularly dogs, can get blastomycosis. Although it is extremely rare, it is possible for people to get infected by animals. Blastomycosis can spread from animals to people through bites. Veterinarians can also become infected from injuries caused by needlesticks contaminated from use on an infected animal.
The symptoms of blastomycosis in animals are similar to the symptoms in humans. People who think their pet has blastomycosis should talk to a veterinarian.
Occupational risks
Construction and excavation sites
Construction, excavations sites, and settings that disturb soil and plant matter, increase the likelihood of breathing in spores and getting blastomycosis.
Laboratories
Blastomyces can be transmitted through breathing in conidia (spores) from fungal cultures.
Steps to take for workplace exposures
Workers who think they were exposed to Blastomyces at work should contact their supervisor right away. If symptoms develop or they feel they are at risk, workers should contact a healthcare provider.
Workers or supervisors should also report to the Occupational Health, Infection Control, or Risk Management Department. In workplaces without these services, they should contact their local city, county, or state health department.
Reducing risk
In areas where Blastomyces is common in the air, it may not be possible to avoid exposure. People who have weakened immune systems should consider avoiding activities that involve disrupting soil.
Some ways to help reduce risk include:
- Stay inside in windy, dusty conditions.
- Avoid activities that stir up or increase contact with dirt.
- Examples include yardwork, digging.
- Wear long sleeve and pants when spending time in the woods.
Most people who breathe in spores do not get sick. Sometimes healthcare providers prescribe antifungal medications to people at high risk to prevent infections. There is no vaccine for blastomycosis.
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The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.
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