Using Insurance Claims Data to Estimate Blastomycosis Incidence, Vermont, USA, 2011-2020

Emerg Infect Dis. 2024 Feb;30(2):372-375. doi: 10.3201/eid3002.230825.

Abstract

The epidemiology of blastomycosis in Vermont, USA, is poorly understood. Using insurance claims data, we estimated the mean annual blastomycosis incidence was 1.8 patients/100,000 persons during 2011-2020. Incidence and disease severity were highest in north-central counties. Our findings highlight a need for improved clinical awareness and expanded surveillance.

Keywords: Blastomyces; United States; Vermont; blastomycosis; fungi; incidence; insurance claims; respiratory infections.

MeSH terms

  • Blastomycosis* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Insurance*
  • Patient Acuity
  • Vermont / epidemiology