Coccidioidomycosis outbreak among United States Navy SEALs training in a Coccidioides immitis-endemic area--Coalinga, California

J Infect Dis. 2002 Sep 15;186(6):865-8. doi: 10.1086/342409. Epub 2002 Aug 16.

Abstract

An outbreak of coccidioidomycosis among 22 Navy SEALs occurred during training exercises in Coalinga, California. Ten (45%) of the 22 men had serologic evidence of acute coccidioidomycosis, the highest attack rate ever reported for a military unit. All case patients were symptomatic, and 50% had abnormal chest radiographs. There were no cases of dissemination and no deaths to date. Coccidioidomycosis continues to be a threat to military members and civilians who reside or train in areas where Coccidioides immitis, the causative agent, is endemic.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Fungal / blood
  • California / epidemiology
  • Coccidioidomycosis / diagnosis*
  • Coccidioidomycosis / epidemiology*
  • Coccidioidomycosis / immunology
  • Coccidioidomycosis / physiopathology
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Military Personnel*
  • Naval Medicine

Substances

  • Antibodies, Fungal