Dozens sickened as potentially deadly fungus spreads in southern state

A potentially deadly fungus has been spreading throughout Tennessee, health officials have warned.

They also noted that the average age of those infected is 50.

In most cases, people don't get sick, but there is the potential for histoplasmosis to cause respiratory symptoms, ranging from mild to life-threatening, per the CDC. 

Dr. Zaid Fadul, CEO of Bespoke Concierge MD in California, noted that most people aren't at a high risk. "Most of the time, we don't get sick because the amount of spores we breathe in is minimal (assuming we are not working outside all day)," he told Fox News Digital.

While most people do not require treatment, there are antifungal medications for severe cases. Some of the Tennessee patients have been hospitalized and some are "critically ill," the state officials confirmed during the briefing.

To prevent infection, health officials recommend limiting activities where soil is disturbed and to consider wearing masks during "high-risk" outdoor activities.

"It is very healthy to be outside, but if it is dusty or you will be outside for a prolonged time, you should be wearing some kind of mask to limit any spores you might breathe in," Fadul advised.

Before this outbreak, histoplasmosis was a "reportable disease" in only 14 states (Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Wisconsin and Washington), according to the CDC.

Anyone who experiences symptoms and believes they have been exposed to the Histoplasma fungus should contact a doctor for testing, especially if antibiotics are not helping.

"With this outbreak, and the new CDC-approved antigen testing, any vague respiratory illness should lead to a quick diagnosis and treatment," Fadul said. "Histopplasmosis can be deadly to certain patients, but it doesn't have to be."