Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by inhaling the microscopic spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. The disease exists in three forms. Acute or primary histoplasmosis causes flu-like symptoms. Most people who are infected recover without medical intervention. Chronic histoplasmosis affects the lungs and can be fatal. Disseminated histoplasmosis affects many organ systems in the body and is often fatal, especially to people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Histoplasmosis is an airborne infection. The spores that cause it are found in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings. Sometimes histoplasmosis is called Ohio Valley disease, Central Mississippi River Valley disease, Appalachian Mountain disease, Darling's disease, or Histoplasma capsulatum infection.

Anyone can get histoplasmosis, but people who come into contact with bird and bat droppings are more likely to be infected. This includes farmers, gardeners, demolition and construction workers, bridge inspectors, painters, people installing or servicing heating and air...