title: Invasive fungal infections after natural disasters.
abstract: The link between natural disasters and subsequent fungal infections in disaster-affected persons has been increasingly recognized. Fungal respiratory conditions associated with disasters include coccidioidomycosis, and fungi are among several organisms that can cause near-drowning pneumonia. Wound contamination with organic matter can lead to post-disaster skin and soft tissue fungal infections, notably mucormycosis. The role of climate change in the environmental growth, distribution, and dispersal mechanisms of pathogenic fungi is not fully understood; however, ongoing climate change could lead to increased disaster-associated fungal infections. Fungal infections are an often-overlooked clinical and public health issue, and increased awareness by health care providers, public health professionals, and community members regarding disaster-associated fungal infections is needed.
authors.forename: Kaitlin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Benedict
authors.forename: Benjamin J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D057231:Climate Change; D004190:Disasters; D006801:Humans; D009181:Mycoses / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D011634:Public Health
keywords: coccidioidomycosis; disasters; fungal infection; fungi; fungus; injuries; meningitis; mucormycosis; pneumonia; tornadoes; tsunamis