Notes from the Field: Blastomycosis Cases Occurring Outside of Regions with Known Endemicity — New York, 2007–2017

Abstract

In October 2017, the New York State Department of Health was alerted by Albany-area infectious disease physicians about local cases of blastomycosis, including multiple severe infections, in the state health department's Capital District, an area where Blastomyces spp. fungi are not considered endemic. The majority of patients reported no travel to regions where blastomycosis is known to be endemic, prompting a state investigation of the disease. Blastomycosis is reportable in only five states (Arkansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin); it is not reportable in New York. To evaluate New York blastomycosis trends, statewide health care data were reviewed for the period 2007-June 2017, and incidence in one county in the Capital District was found to be particularly high. Although not a reportable disease, as an emerging infectious disease in New York, suspected blastomycosis should be reported to local health departments where patients reside.