An Alarming Fungal Outbreak Is Affecting Residents in Tennessee
A concerning and rare fungal infection called histoplasmosis is striking a group of individuals in Tennessee, raising alarm bells among health officials.
Since the autumn of the previous year, local health authorities have documented dozens of histoplasmosis cases in central Tennessee, with reports indicating that one woman may have tragically lost her life due to this infection. Health officials are currently investigating the situation, but, as of now, they have not been able to pinpoint a specific source for this cluster of infections. Importantly, histoplasmosis cannot be transmitted from person to person.
A Hidden Threat
Histoplasmosis (more information can be found here) arises when spores from the Histoplasma fungus—primarily, the species Histoplasma capsulatum—are inhaled. Most individuals exposed to these spores will not experience any illness; however, in some cases, the infection can manifest as mild pneumonia, leading to symptoms such as fever, persistent cough, chest discomfort, and body aches. In rarer instances, the infection can linger within the lungs, potentially becoming a chronic issue or even spreading to other critical areas of the body, including the brain, resulting in serious, life-threatening conditions.
In early December 2025, the Tennessee Department of Health took proactive measures by issuing a health advisory directed at clinicians and laboratories across the state. This advisory highlighted the rise in acute and severe histoplasmosis cases particularly in Williamson and Maury counties. At that time, 18 cases had been confirmed. A spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Health informed Gizmodo that the current number of identified cases has since risen to 36.
Recently, the family of Alyssia Brown, a resident of Spring Hill, stepped into the spotlight to share her story, which is believed to be linked to this outbreak. Brown began experiencing symptoms shortly after relocating to her new home in October 2025. She suffered from a persistent cough that would not subside. Eventually, she sought help in an emergency room on December 8, where she was diagnosed with bronchitis and given a prescription for steroids. Unfortunately, her health continued to decline, and she passed away on December 15.
Before her death, Brown, aware of the ongoing cluster, requested testing for histoplasmosis, and her family reports that her results came back positive on December 18. Local authorities are now looking into the circumstances surrounding her death, and her family is waiting for the results of her autopsy, as reported by the New York Times.
The Elusive Source
As of now, no clear source has emerged for these histoplasmosis cases, and health officials suggest it may remain unidentified due to the nature of the fungus.
"Histoplasmosis is commonly found in the soil throughout Tennessee, which makes it quite difficult to completely avoid exposure," a representative from the Tennessee Department of Health explained to Gizmodo. It’s worth noting that, similar to many fungal infections, severe cases tend to occur more frequently among individuals with weakened immune systems. Those who come into contact with high concentrations of the fungus also face a greater risk of developing severe health issues.
Interestingly, the fungus tends to thrive in soil enriched with bird or bat droppings, with bats being considered a significant factor in its transmission. Previous outbreaks of histoplasmosis have been linked to exposure to bats. For instance, a family vacationing in Costa Rica developed the infection after visiting caves filled with bats, where 12 out of 13 family members became ill after their trip. In addition, in the United States, there have been cases where individuals contracted histoplasmosis by using bat guano as fertilizer for cannabis cultivation.
The Tennessee Department of Health is urging medical professionals to remain vigilant for additional cases and to consider histoplasmosis when treating patients from central Tennessee presenting with unexplained fevers or respiratory ailments.
