Travel-Associated Histoplasmosis Risks Remain For Cave Explorers in 2026

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today announced it is hosting a Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Call titled "From Cave to Clinic: Managing Histoplasmosis in Returning Travelers."

Histoplasma, a fungal infection that primarily impacts people's lungs, is endemic, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean, and is often found in the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys in the U.S.

On January 15, 2026, COCA Call presenters will share current evidence on the epidemiology of travel-associated histoplasmosis, with a focus on cave-associated outbreaks, for travelers visiting Central and South America.

The CDC's MMWR stated in May 2025 that people may be at increased risk for Histoplasma exposure when engaging in adventure activities such as cave exploration, ecotourism, or other activities that disturb contaminated soil or aerosolize fungal spores.

The CDC highlighted a histoplasmosis outbreak among 12 family members returning from the Central American country of the Republic of Costa Rica after visiting Venado Caves. The same bat-inhabited cave in Costa Rica associated with this 2024 histoplasmosis outbreak was linked to a 1998–1999 outbreak among 51 persons.

Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by the dimorphic fungus Histoplasma, which is found in soil. It also spreads through bird and bat droppings that mix into the soil. Illness can range from asymptomatic or mild respiratory disease to severe acute pulmonary or disseminated disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

On January 5, 2025, the CDC wrote that clinicians and healthcare providers are encouraged to join this free webinar to stay informed on emerging risks, particularly following recent outbreaks linked to bat-inhabited caves.

International travelers interested in cave exploration may also attend this digital session.

For more information and to register, visit the COCA Call page at: https://www.cdc.gov/coca/hcp/trainings/from-cave-to-clinic-managing-hist...