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Cause:
Fungus Cryptococcus.
Notifiable condition surveillance is only for C. gattii.
Illness and treatment:
Symptoms include
severe cough with shortness of breath, chills, night sweats,
and loss of appetite. Typical presentations are meningitis
and pneumonia. Infection of the kidneys, prostate, and bone
may also occur. Treatment is with antifungals.
Sources:
C. gattii
is an environmental fungus that has been isolated from
native trees, soil, air, and water in the Pacific Northwest.
Exposure is through inhalation of the organism.
Prevention:
There are no specific
precautions. Consult a health care provider for any severe
or persistent respiratory symptoms.
Recent Washington trends:
In 2005, 3 cats living near the Canadian border were
diagnosed with C. gattii. In 2006, C. gatti
was found in soil from Whatcom County. Also that year, 2
state residents with cryptococcal disease were identified
who may have been locally exposed.
2008:
One human case was reported from Whatcom County. The case
had traveled to Vancouver, BC during the exposure period.
Purpose of Reporting and
Surveillance
- To detect the emergence of Cryptococcus gattii in
Washington
- To improve the number of suspected cases that are
laboratory confirmed
- To monitor trends in the epidemiology of Cryptococcal
disease
Legal Reporting Requirements
Human or animal infections with C. gattii are
reportable in Washington State as rare diseases of public
health significance.
-
Healthcare providers:
immediately notifiable to Local Health Jurisdiction
-
Hospitals: immediately
notifiable to Local Health Jurisdiction
-
Laboratories: no requirements
for reporting
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Local health jurisdictions:
immediately notifiable to DOH Communicable Disease
Epidemiology: 1-877-539-4344
Last
update
November 2009 |
