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Coccidioidomycosis; acute (primary) pulmonary Causes and Risks:
Infection is caused by breathing in spores of a fungus, Coccidioides
immitis, found in desert regions. About 60% of infections cause no symptoms and are only recognized by a positive coccidioidin skin test . In the remaining 40% symptoms range from mild to severe. Dark-skinned people and people with a weak immune system will have more serious infections. The incubation period is 10 to 30 days. The acute form can develop into widespread disseminated disease or into a chronic pulmonary (lung) disease after a long latent period. Recent travel to or residence in southwestern deserts of the U.S. is a risk factor. The incidence of acute coccidioidomycosis is 1 out of 100,000 people.
Prevention:
Avoiding travel to regions where this fungus is found may prevent risk of developing this disorder; however, this is not practical or possible for many people. For people living in those areas, prevention may not be possible (this is a rare disorder, so prevention is usually not a concern except for immunocompromised people).
Symptoms:
See also Skin lesion of coccidioidomycosis .
Signs and Tests:
Treatment:
The acute disease is almost always benign and goes away without treatment. Bedrest and treatment of flu-like symptoms until fever disappears may be recommended.
Prognosis:
The outcome in limited disease is expected to be good.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms develop that are suggestive of coccidioidomycosis .
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if new symptoms develop.
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