Hawaii State Department of Health Disease Investigation Branch Oahu 586-4586, Maui 984-8213, Big Island 933- 0912, Kauai 241-3563

Cryptococcosis (C. gatti) Disease

What is ? pain fever Cryptococcosis is an infection caused by the  Brain: Headache, neck pain, nausea, gattii formerly known as vomiting, sensitivity to light, altered var gattii. The mental status, fever airborne fungus is found in the tropical and subtropical climates of the world. When do symptoms start? Symptoms can develop between 2 to 13 months after inhalation of the fungus. How do you get it? Inhalation of airborne C.gattii fungus. The fungus can be found in the environment, in the What is the treatment for Cryptococcosis? soil and trees in tropical and sub-tropical Antifungal treatment is available. The regions of the world (Australia, Papua New recommended treatment is for mild Guinea, Africa, Asia, Europe, Mexico and infections and in combination South America). In the , C. gattii with for severe infections and those has been found in Washington, Oregon, infections in the central nervous system. California and Hawaii. How can you keep from getting it? There is no human to human spread of infection There are no formal recommendations on or spread of infection between human and prevention of C. gattii infection. People breathe animals. Animals can become infected. in small amounts of fungi every day but never Infection is only via inhalation of the cells become sick. Those with weakened immune or spores. symptoms, predisposing respiratory conditions, elderly, smokers are at increased risk of What are the symptoms of C. gattii becoming infected with the fungus. If you have Infection? symptoms that you think may be caused by C. C. gattii can infect the lung or the central gattii, you should see a healthcare provider as nervous system. It can also affect other parts of soon as possible. the body. The symptoms depend on the part of the body affected. For more information, see the CDC’s website at: https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/cryptococcosis- gattii/  Lungs: shortness of breath, cough, chest

Factsheets Revised September 6, 2018 Disease Investigation Branch