February 14, 2005—The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has published a revised edition of the NIOSH document “Histoplasmosis: Protecting Workers at Risk,” originally published in 1997.
Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by inhaling the spores of a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. It primarily affects a persons lungs and symptoms can appear as a mild, flu-like respiratory illness with symptoms including malaise, fever, chest pain, dry or nonproductive cough, headache, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, joint and muscle pains, chills, and hoarseness.
Most infected people experience no symptoms, but over time, if untreated, can develop chronic lung disease. Disseminated histoplasmosis is fatal if untreated.
The updated booklet (DHHS [NIOSH] Publication No. 2005-109) helps readers understand histoplasmosis, recognize activities that may expose workers to the disease-causing fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, and identify methods to protect themselves and others from exposure.
The booklet will serve as a guide for safety and health professionals, environmental consultants, supervisors, and others responsible for the safety and health of those working near material contaminated with H. capsulatum.
An outbreak of the disease early in 2004 in an industrial plant in Nebraska prompted recommendations for reducing risks in similar circumstances. The investigators emphasized that risk of exposure may occur not only to employees manipulating soil contaminated with H. capsulatum spores, but also to employees working hundreds of feet away.
Also included are both an English and Spanish language fact sheet intended to help educate workers and the general public about this disease. The booklet and fact sheets are available from NIOSH.
