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What it is: Blastomycosis is a rare fungal infection that affects the lungs and the skin caused by
inhaling the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis, which is found in wood, soil, and decaying foliage and vegetation. |
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Transmission: Blastomycosis is transmitted by inhaling fungus spores. The spores become airborne when
the soil where the fungus is growing is disturbed.
Blastomycosis cannot be transmitted person-to-person. Dogs may develop blastomycosis,
but they cannot transmit the disease to humans.
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Symptoms: Some people never have any symptoms, while others may develop an acute
lung infection that begins with a fever and a dry cough and may include weight loss, chest pain, and a blood-producing cough.
Muscle aches, night sweats, shortness of breath and chest tightness are also symptoms.
If the infection is widespread, skin or bone lesions may appear.
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Prevention: The only real prevention is to avoid exposure to places where the disease occurs.
Fortunately the disorder is rare except in people whose immune systems are weakened. |
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Treatment: Anti-fungal drugs are used to treat the disorder. |
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