Areas with Histoplasmosis

Estimated areas where Histoplasma lives
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What to know

Histoplasma, the fungus that causes histoplasmosis, lives throughout the world. In the United States, Histoplasma mainly lives in soil in the central and eastern states, particularly areas around the Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys, but it can likely live in other parts of the country as well.
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Estimated areas with histoplasmosis

These maps show the approximate range of where Histoplasma, the fungus that causes histoplasmosis lives in the environment.

Histoplasma is not evenly distributed within the shaded areas. It's also possible that Histoplasma could live outside of the shaded areas.

Darker shaded areas show where Histoplasma is more likely to live. Geographic boundaries, (represented with diagonal shading) are not strictly defined and may change over time.

U.S. map with shaded areas
Approximate areas with the presence of Histoplasma in the US
Approximate areas with the presence of Histoplasma worldwide
Approximate areas with the presence of Histoplasma worldwide

Areas likely suitable for Histoplasma to live

Map of U.S.
Areas where the environment is likely suitable for Histoplasma in the US

Scientists believe that the fungus Histoplasma grows best under certain environmental conditions. This map shows the results of statistical modeling that estimates where this fungus might be most likely to live. The model is based on land cover, soil acidity, and distance from water. On this map, higher suitability scores (in red) indicate areas that are likely to have better conditions for Histoplasma.

All statistical models make assumptions and have limitations. Environmental factors that are not included in this model can also affect where Histoplasma can live. More research is needed to better understand where Histoplasma most commonly lives.

Content Source
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: April 24, 2024

This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.

Reviewed: October 30, 2026

The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.