There are millions of fungal species, but not all can make you sick. Only 300 have been identified as having the ability to make a person sick. The most dangerous fungal diseases though, are known to cause serious problems after infection.
Cryptococcosis
This disease is caused by the fungus Cryptococcus gattii. It falls under the category of the most dangerous fungal diseases due to the issues it can cause. Once inhaled, it can travel to the lungs and cause pneumonia. It can also cause meningitis, if it spreads from the lungs to the brain.
People with weakened immune systems, the elderly and smokers are most at risk of contracting this fungus, and here are no vaccines available, unfortunately. If you fall into the category of those that are more susceptible it would be wise to avoid areas of known outbreaks.
Candida Auris
Candida auris is a fungus from the candida family. It can cause infections in the ears, open wounds and bloodstream. This infection is also thought to have built up a tolerance to medication. This means anti-fungal medications may no longer work, and the outcome could be deadly.
The best way to avoid this disease is by avoiding those who have it. Good hygiene and a strong immune system are known to help also.
Blastomycosis
Blastomyces dermatitidis causes blastomycosis after inhaling the spores of the fungus. The symptoms are generally comparable to the flu. Fevers, muscle aches and chest pain are all common. They can appear anywhere from a few weeks to a few months after the infection enters the body.
In severe cases, it can spread to skin, bones, joints, the central nervous system, and the brain. The best way to avoid this is to strengthen your immune system. There is no vaccine available, so a healthy immune system is your best bet.
Conclusion
These 3 infections are among the most dangerous fungal diseases. With that in mind, it’s important to take them seriously and learn as much as possible to help prevent them.
