CDC

COCA Call: Thurs., 1/15 - From cave to clinic: Managing histoplasmosis in returning travelers

January 9, 2026

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma; a dimorphic fungus found in soil. It also spreads in bird and bat droppings that mix in soil. People may be at increased risk for Histoplasma exposure when engaging in adventure activities such as cave exploration, ecotourism, or other activities that disturb contaminated soil or aerosolize fungal spores. Illness can range from asymptomatic or mild respiratory disease to severe acute pulmonary or disseminated disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Awareness of travel-associated histoplasmosis is essential for clinicians, as symptoms may be nonspecific and delayed, leading to misdiagnosis for bacterial pneumonia, tuberculosis, malignancy, or other respiratory conditions. Obtaining travel history to facilitate the recognition of exposure history, conducting appropriate diagnostic testing, and administering timely antifungal treatment are all critical to reducing morbidity and preventing severe outcomes.

During this call, presenters will share current evidence on the epidemiology of travel-associated histoplasmosis—with a focus on cave-associated outbreaks in travelers visiting Central and South America. They will also discuss best practices for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Webinar

Thursday, January 15, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 293 177 498 815 80
Passcode: ub6G8F9i

Source:

(2025, January 15). CDC. From Cave to Clinic: Managing Histoplasmosis in Returning Travelers. https://www.cdc.gov/coca/hcp/trainings/from-cave-to-clinic-managing-histoplasmosis-in-returning-travelers.html

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