A family vacation in Costa Rica turned deadly after 12 of 13 relatives fell ill with a potentially fatal fungal infection, known as histoplasmosis. The family, who traveled from Texas, Washington, and Georgia, visited the Venado Caves, which involved crawling through tight spaces to see live bats.
After returning to the US, they began experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, night sweats, breathing problems, and indigestion. Five family members sought medical attention, while one was hospitalized due to lung changes resembling cancer.
The CDC investigated the cases, highlighting the dangers of visiting bat-infested caves and crawling through feces. Histoplasmosis is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late due to symptoms similar to pneumonia.
While five family members died from the infection, no one succumbed due to treatment within 28 days. The fungus behind the infection thrives in bird and bat droppings, as well as soil, particularly in the central and eastern US.
The CDC notes that histoplasmosis affects up to 250,000 people annually, with only about 4,600 cases reported each year. About 120 deaths occur from the disease every year.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14739367/costa-rica-vacation-family-histoplasmosis-causes-symptoms.html