Evaluation of the Michigan Disease Surveillance System for Histoplasmosis Reporting

Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by a fungus called Histoplasma capsulatum. Fungal spores are found in the soil, mostly associated with bird and bat droppings, and if inhaled can cause lung infection. Histoplasmosis is a reportable disease in Michigan and a case definition was implemented in 2007. Cases are reported into the Michigan Disease Surveillance System (MDSS), a web-based electronic database, and investigated by local health departments (LHD). An evaluation of the histoplasmosis surveillance system was conducted.