Blastomycosis

Clear→ stable

FungalZoonotic

Current NYS Status

6 cases in 2024 (baseline: ~10). Low absolute count.

2024 statewide cases: 6

Source: NYSDOH Annual Communicable Disease Report 2024 + 5-yr baseline

What is it?

Blastomycosis is caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis, a fungus found in moist soil rich in organic matter, particularly near waterways and in wooded areas. NYS had 6 cases in 2024. Most infections cause no symptoms or a mild respiratory illness; severe cases can cause life-threatening pneumonia and spread to skin, bones, and other organs.

How it spreads

Spreads by inhaling fungal spores from disturbed soil. Risk activities include construction, farming, forestry, hunting, and recreational activities in endemic areas. Not spread from person-to-person.

Symptoms

Ranges from asymptomatic to severe. Respiratory: fever, cough, chest pain, and muscle aches. Skin: painless, raised, and wartlike or ulcerated lesions often on the face or extremities. Bone and joint pain can occur with disseminated disease. Immunocompromised individuals may develop severe, rapidly progressive disease.

Who is at risk?

People who work or recreate outdoors in wooded areas near water, particularly in the Great Lakes region. Immunocompromised individuals face higher risk of severe disseminated disease.

What you can do

🛡Wear gloves and a mask when disturbing soil or leaf litter in wooded areas

👁See a provider for persistent respiratory illness or unusual skin lesions after outdoor activities in wooded or wetland areas

⚕️Itraconazole treats mild to moderate blastomycosis; severe disease requires IV amphotericin B — see an infectious disease specialist

Tier B — Annual report tracking

Based on NYSDOH annual communicable disease report. Threat level reflects 2024 case counts compared to the 5-year baseline.

Seasonality: variable

This information is for general public health awareness and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.