They had left to know the thrill, but only harvested a fungus in the lungs. In Costa Rica, 12 members of the same American family fell ill after visiting a local cave.
They crawl in the cave, in contact with bat excrement
Last December, this XXL family was on site to visit Arenal and Manuel Antonio, in Costa Rica. On the program: the caves of Venado, a popular tourist attraction of the province, known for its bats. But when they return to the United States, surprised! Each person who has visited the cave “fell slightly or moderately sick” because of a fungal pulmonary infection, announces the CDC, the center for the control and prevention of diseases.
According to the medical investigation carried out, these were cases suspected of histoplasmosis, a fungal infection linked to bats.
“”All family members reported having seen bats and said they had affected bat excrement by crawling in the cave and sneaking in restricted spaces“Said the press release. A beautiful vacation memory!
Histoplasmosis: a discreet fungal infection to monitor
According to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical, histoplasmosis is an infection caused by a microscopic fungus, Capsulatum histoplasmawhich proliferates in the soils enriched by excrement of birds or bats.
“”When these organic materials dry out, they release invisible spores that can disperse in the air. The infection occurs when a person inhales these spores, often in a completely involuntary way“, he specifies.
Variable symptoms
In the majority of cases, histoplasmosis remains benign, even asymptomatic, “especially in healthy people“, Indicates Dr. Kierzek. When she manifests herself, she often evokes an influenza table: fever, cough, fatigue.
“”However, in rare cases – mainly in immunocompromised people – infection can evolve towards a severe form, with significant pulmonary involvement or dissemination towards other organs, such as the liver or the spleen. “
An infection far from France, really?
This disease remains relatively rare in France, but sporadic cases have been reported, especially in certain well identified environments.
“”The caves frequented by bats, such as those of the Pyrenees or Causses, the old chicken coops or the buildings where bird droppings accumulate are places at risk“Confirms our expert.
Apart from these specific environments, the risk of exposure remains extremely low.
Protect yourself in risk areas
Dr. Gérald Kierzek also recalls that prevention is essentially based on the avoidance of areas at risk, as well as on respiratory protection in the event of exposure.
“”During work in cellars, attics or abandoned buildings likely to contain animal droppings, it is recommended to wear a Mask of type N95 and to moisten the surfaces before cleaning them, in order to limit the dispersion of spores in the air.“”
But the main risk mainly concerns travelers going to tropical or subtropical zones. Indeed, in Central America, in certain states of the South of the United States, in Africa or South-East Asia, Capsulatum histoplasma is more widely present.
In France, only some professionals (speleologists, agricultural workers, renovators of old buildings) can be exposed punctually.
Finally, it is important to note that histoplasmosis is not transmitted from one person to another: only the direct inhalation of the spores suspended in the air constitutes a risk of infection.
Useful information to avoid unjustified concerns in the event of a diagnosis in his entourage.