Fatal Infection Spreads In Idaho Through Chickens, Cave Exposure

For those in Idaho who spend time near chickens or enjoy touring caves in the state on the weekends, you could be exposed to certain spores that can produce an illness that, if not treated promptly, can have fatal consequences.

Idaho has a large number of ranches and farms. It's estimated that there are more than 25,000 of these facilities statewide, according to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. If there's one thing most farms have, it's chickens.

Breathing in spores left behind by mice, birds, bats, and chickens can lead to an illness that can result in chronic lung issues and severe pneumonia. The condition is known as Histoplasmosis.

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Histoplasmosis Can Be Fatal And Is Commonly Spread In Areas That Have Excess Bird Droppings

According to Live Science, the illness is also known as 'caver's disease' because caves are home to an abundance of birds and bats. In extreme cases of Histoplasmosis, the only effective treatment is several days' use of an antifungal medication, according to an AI overview.

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If you spend a good deal of time around chicken coupes or in areas where bird or bat droppings are excessive, and develop a fever, dry cough, chest discomfort, muscle aches, chills, and extreme fatigue, contact your physician and get tested to rule out Histoplasmosis.

Construction and demolition sites are also known to be hotspots for these spores and airborne cells, according to the Mayo Clinic.