Vacation nightmare: 12 family members diagnosed with fungal disease after exploring Costa Rica cave
The family that is spread across three states — Georgia, Texas and Washington — returned home feeling sick after a recent vacation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, on January 17, 2025, a Georgia infectious disease physician notified CDC of suspected histoplasmosis cases.
Prior to the report, the family had visited the Venado Caves in Costa Rica, which was linked to a previous histoplasmosis outbreak.
4 Biggest Handwashing Mistakes That Could Increase Germs And Viruses
While there were 13 family members traveling on December 21–28, only 12, six adults aged 42–49 and six children aged 8–16, who visited the cave were diagnosed with histoplasmosis.
Read On The Fox News App
Histoplasmosis is defined by the CDC as a fungal infection that primarily affects the lungs.
Histoplasmosis is caused by Histoplasma organisms, which are often found in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings.
The condition is often misdiagnosed, as it was in this particular case.
One adult went to an emergency room and was hospitalized because of an abnormal chest radiography.
The findings raised concerns about lung cancer.
All 12 members who toured the cave became ill after 8-19 days of the exposure.
Washington Doctor Dies During Grand Canyon Rim-to-rim Hike At Age 74
Family members experienced headaches, malaise, fever, night sweats, myalgias, and respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms.
They all recovered to full health 28 days after exposure.
The Venado Caves in Costa Rica are also associated with another histoplasmosis outbreak in 1998–1999 that affected 51 people.
In response to this outbreak, the CDC alerted health departments through an Epidemic Information Exchange notification to help identify additional cases.
The CDC has been collaborating with the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica and the Costa Rican Ministry of Health to incorporate information about histoplasmosis risks into the caving tour's waiver forms.
In addition, the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica issued a health alert in March 2025 notifying the public of the risk of contracting histoplasmosis from the cave tours.Original article source: Vacation nightmare: 12 family members diagnosed with fungal disease after exploring Costa Rica cave
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Taysha Gene Therapies to Release Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Host Conference Call and Webcast on August 12
DALLAS, Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Taysha Gene Therapies, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSHA) (Taysha or the Company), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on advancing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies for severe monogenic diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), today announced that it will report its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, and host a corporate update conference call and webcast on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. Conference Call DetailsToll Free: 877-407-0792International: 201-689-8263Conference ID: 13754869Webcast: About Taysha Gene TherapiesTaysha Gene Therapies (Nasdaq: TSHA) is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on advancing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies for severe monogenic diseases of the central nervous system. Its lead clinical program TSHA-102 is in development for Rett syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder with no approved disease-modifying therapies that address the genetic root cause of the disease. With a singular focus on developing transformative medicines, Taysha aims to address severe unmet medical needs and dramatically improve the lives of patients and their caregivers. The Company's management team has proven experience in gene therapy development and commercialization. Taysha leverages this experience, its manufacturing process and a clinically and commercially proven AAV9 capsid in an effort to rapidly translate treatments from bench to bedside. For more information, please visit Company Contact:Hayleigh Collins Senior Director, Corporate Communications and Investor RelationsTaysha Gene Therapies, Media Contact:Carolyn HawleyInizio in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Legionnaires' disease cluster in New York City causes 2 deaths, sickens 58 people. What is it, and how do you get it?
The disease was initially detected on July 25. Two people have died and 58 people have been sickened in a Legionnaires' disease cluster in central Harlem in New York City, health officials said Monday. The disease was initially detected on July 25. Since then, the New York City Department of Health has been investigating the cluster and has sampled all cooling towers within the affected area, which help regulate a building's temperature. Eleven cooling towers tested positive for the bacteria that cause Legionnaires' disease. The remediation required by the health department has been completed, according to a Monday update. The following ZIP codes and bordering communities have been affected in Harlem: 10027, 10030, 10035, 10037 and 10039. "Anyone in these ZIP codes with flu-like symptoms should contact a health care provider as soon as possible," said acting health commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. "Legionnaires' disease can be effectively treated if diagnosed early, but New Yorkers at higher risk, like adults aged 50 and older and those who smoke or have chronic lung conditions, should be especially mindful of their symptoms and seek care as soon as symptoms begin." What is Legionnaires' disease? It's a serious type of pneumonia, a lung infection, that is caused by Legionella bacteria. People can become sick from inhaling water vapor that's contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Less commonly, a person can get sick when water contaminated with the bacteria accidentally enters the lungs by aspiration. How does it spread? In general, Legionnaires' is not transmitted from person to person. Legionella can grow and spread in human-made water systems like showerheads and sink faucets, hot tubs, decorative fountains, complex and large plumbing systems and cooling towers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are also factors that make it easier for Legionella to grow and survive in water, including: Biofilm, which is slime that enables germs to grow Temperatures from 77 degrees to 113 degrees Fahrenheit Not having enough disinfectant Slow or no water movement (Read more from the CDC about how to prevent waterborne germs while away from your home.) What are the symptoms of Legionnaires' disease? Symptoms usually appear in a person within two to 14 days after they've been exposed to the bacteria, the CDC says. Symptoms can be similar to other types of pneumonia, such as: Headache Muscle aches Shortness of breath Cough Fever Other symptoms can include confusion, diarrhea or nausea. Who is at risk of getting sick? Most healthy people exposed to Legionella don't become ill, according to the CDC's website. However, the following people are at increased risk of getting sick from the bacteria: People 50 years and older Current or former smokers People with specific health issues or conditions, like cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, kidney failure, liver failure and a weak immune system Diagnosis and treatment A chest x-ray can confirm if a person has pneumonia. But additional tests are needed to confirm if Legionella bacteria is the cause behind it, such as a urine test, or a lab test involving a sample from phlegm (sputum) or lung lavage (lung washing), according to the CDC. The disease is treatable with antibiotics, but hospital care is often needed.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
CDC launches new national campaign to tackle mental health, substance use among teens
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a new campaign on Tuesday aimed at tackling mental health and substance use among teens ahead of the upcoming school year. The federal campaign, entitled Free Mind, aims to provide teens and their parents or caregivers with "resources and information about substance use, mental health and the connection between the two." The efforts revolve around the messaging that "drugs and mental health don't mix" according to the landing page of the new campaign on the CDC's website. MORE: Teens work to overcome addiction at one of America's largest recovery high schools "When you deal with lots of emotions, you might be tempted to turn to drugs and alcohol or cope by misusing medications that are not prescribed to you," the website states. Substance use, however, can cause or worsen anxiety, sadness, anger and depression, according to the CDC. It can also affect a patient's memory or mood. The CDC describes that drug overdose crisis as "constantly evolving" and "an important public health issue." More than 80,000 Americans died from a drug overdose last year, according to CDC data. In the last four years, 75% of overdose deaths among pre-teens and teenagers ages 10 to 19 involved illegally made fentanyl. The number of teens reporting poor mental health has increased in the past decade, with 40% of high school students stopping regular activities because of persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2023. One in five students have seriously considered attempting suicide, according to the CDC. "Teens may use alcohol and other substances to help them cope with stress, anxiety, and depression," said Dr. Allison Arwady, director of the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, in a press release. MORE: Opioid overdose deaths among teens have skyrocketed due to fentanyl The agency said it spoke with adolescents. about their perceptions surrounding substance use in order to develop the messaging and branding for the new campaign. The initiative "seeks to resonate with this age group by addressing the connections between substance use and mental health, risk factors that contribute to drug use, and strategies to keep them safe," according to the CDC. Resources were also created for parents and caregivers around youth substance use and mental health challenges. "Talking openly about mental health and substance use, and knowing when to get professional help, is critical to helping teens stay healthy," Arwady said. "That's why this campaign supports youth, parents, and caregivers in having those conversations early, before an issue arises." If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide - free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text the national lifeline at 988. Solve the daily Crossword
