Archive · 27 Jan 2026
Tennessee Fungal Outbreak Linked to Soil Exposure
There's been a sickness in Tennessee caused by a fungus called histoplasmosis.
This fungus lives in the soil, especially in areas near the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.
When people dig or do work that stirs up the soil, the fungus can get into the air and make people sick.
Most people get better, but it can be very serious or even deadly for people with weak immune systems.
The fungus can also be found near bird or bat droppings.
So far, 35 people have gotten sick and 1 person has died.
Doctors and health officials are working to keep people safe and stop the spread of the fungus.
A fungal outbreak in Tennessee has left 35 people ill and 1 dead.
The fungus, histoplasmosis, lives in soil and becomes airborne when disturbed.
High-risk areas include the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, including central Tennessee.
Activities like construction, landscaping, farming, and yardwork can disturb the soil and spread the fungus.
While most people recover, the fungus can be deadly for those with weak immune systems.
- Who
- Residents of Tennessee, particularly those with weak immunity
- What
- A fungal outbreak caused by histoplasmosis
- When
- Recent outbreak with 35 ill and 1 dead
- Where
- Central Tennessee, along the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys
- Why
- Exposure to soil containing the fungus, especially during activities that disturb the soil
- Number of Ill
- 35
- Number of Deaths
- 1
- Fungus
- Histoplasmosis
- Primary Cause
- Soil Exposure
- High-Risk Areas
- Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, including central Tennessee
- Transmission
- Airborne when soil is disturbed
- High-Risk Activities
- Construction, landscaping, farming, yardwork, contact with bird or bat droppings