Dr. Margaret Spear, director of the Health Service, asks that all students who have been to Acapulco since March 1 fill out and transmit a short web-based form at https://www.work.psu.edu/dept/UHS/acapulco.html or go to the University Health Services home page at http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs and follow the link. The CDC may have more follow-up questions.

University Health Services has already contacted a number of students who stayed at the Calinda Hotel during Spring break, and evaluated them for a variety of symptoms and illnesses. “ One student had the characteristic signs and symptoms of Histoplasmosis and was referred to a specialist for additional diagnostic testing and treatment,” said Dr. Spear.  “The other students who were seen at UHS had illnesses that were not consistent with histoplasmosis infection.  They were appropriately evaluated and treated.”

The CDC is looking specifically for visitors to Acapulco, Mexico, since March 1 this year who have since developed a fever for at least three days and have had at least one of the following symptoms -- a dry cough, chest pain, shortness of breath or headaches.  As of early this week, 23 colleges in 18 states have responded to the CDC request for information.

The infection is caused by an air-born fungus that is sometimes present in the soil in Mexico and Central America and the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys.  It is not transmitted from person to person.  For information from the Center for Disease Control, go to http://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/res-mexico-apr2001.html