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Cryptococcal
Disease
What is cryptococcal disease?
Cryptococcal disease is an infection caused by an
unusual type of fungus, Cryptococcus. There are three main types of
Cryptococcus that cause disease: C.gattii, C. grubii,
and C. neoformans. Whereas C. neoformans and C. grubii
cause illness predominantly in people with impaired immune systems, C.
gattii can cause illness in otherwise healthy people as well as those
with impaired immunity. Although infection is rare, several Washington
residents were recently infected by C. gattii. The fungus can affect
a person’s lungs (pneumonia) or nervous system (meningitis). In rare cases,
the infection can be fatal. Animals, including pets, also can develop
cryptococcal disease.
Where is this fungus found?
C. gatti lives on trees and in the soil.
Does Cryptococcus gattii occur in Washington?
C. gattii has been found in the environment in
Washington. The Washington State Department of Health has had reports of
animals and humans who have acquired the infection in the state.
How are people exposed?
The infection is caused by breathing in the Cryptococcus
fungus.
What are the symptoms of cryptococcal disease?
Symptoms of cryptococcal disease include:
- Cough that lasts weeks or months
- Sharp chest pain
- Unexplained shortness of breath
- Severe headache
- Confusion
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unintended weight loss
Please consult a health care provider if you experience
these symptoms.
How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms appear two to twelve months after exposure
to the fungus.
What is the treatment?
Cryptococcal disease can be treated with antifungal
medication prescribed by a health care provider.
Can I get cryptococcal disease from another person or
animal?
Cryptococcal disease can not be passed from person to
person or from animal to person. A person with cryptococcal disease is not
contagious.
How do I avoid getting cryptococcal disease?
There are no particular precautions that will
prevent cryptococcal disease. The benefits of outdoor recreation and
activities far outweigh the risks of acquiring cryptococcal disease.
Remember that this is a very rare disease, but if you experience the
symptoms listed above, see a health care provider.
Where can I get more information?
Call your local health department
or the Washington
State Department of Health.
- For questions about human health: Communicable
Disease Epidemiology Section (206) 418-5500, or toll free inside Washington
state (877) 539-4344
- For questions about animal health: Zoonotic Disease
program (360) 236-3885
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