Blastomycosis, 2017

In 2017, 44 blastomycosis cases were reported, an increase over the 39 cases in 2016 and 34 cases in 2015. The median age was 40.5 years (range, 6 to 76); 32 (73%) were male. Thirty-two (78%) cases were white, 4 (10%) were American Indian/Alaska Native, 2 (5%) were Asian/Pacific Islander, 1 (2%) was mixed race, and 3 were unknown race. Thirty-two (73%) cases were hospitalized for a median of 9 days (range, 1 to 37). Seven (16%) cases died, which is a higher fatality rate than the normally observed 9-10%. Blastomycosis was the cause of death in 6 of the 7. Seventeen cases (40%) had immunocompromising health conditions or medications, including 9 (20%) with diabetes, 4 (10%) taking corticosteroids, and 2 (5%) on chemotherapy for cancer. Thirty-four (77%) cases had pulmonary infection, 2 (5%) had extra-pulmonary infection, and 8 (18%) had disseminated infection.

From 1999 to 2017, 613 blastomycosis cases were reported; the median annual number is 33 (range, 22 to 46). Exposure information is available for 514 cases. The largest number, 129 (25%), were likely exposed in St. Louis County. Sixty-three (12%) cases were likely exposed in Itasca County, 35 (7%) in Cass County, 16 (3%) in Chisago County, 16 (3%) in Beltrami County, and 15 (3%) in Hennepin County. (Figure 2).

• For up to date information see>> Blastomycosis (Blastomyces dermatitidis)
• Full issue>> Annual Summary of Communicable Diseases Reported to the Minnesota Department of Health, 2017