B40: Blastomycosis

B40.7: Disseminated blastomycosis

Disseminated blastomycosis is a severe, often life-threatening infection caused by the Blastomyces fungus. The disease typically starts in the lungs, but 'disseminated' means it has spread to other parts of the body, such as the skin, bones, or other organs. It's commonly found in specific regions of North America, primarily in soil and wood, and you can get infected by inhaling fungal spores. Symptoms can resemble pneumonia, including cough, fever, and night sweats. Unlike pneumonia, these symptoms may persist for weeks to months unless treated. If disseminated, it can result in skin lesions and bone pain, and the condition can become serious if it reaches the central nervous system. Overall, it's an ongoing and systemic infection that presents differently based on the individual and the extent of the spread.