Suspected Acute Pulmonary Coccidioidomycosis in Traveler Returning to Switzerland from Peru

Abstract

We report a suspected case of acute pulmonary coccidioidomycosis contracted in Peru, where the disease is not known to occur, in a patient from Switzerland. Although not confirmed by direct diagnostic testing, the clinical manifestations and serologic testing results of this case are highly suggestive of coccidioidomycosis.

Keywords: Peru; Switzerland; Valley Fever; coccidioides; coccidioidomycosis; fungal; fungi; mycosis.

Figure 1

Computed tomography scan findings of a patient with a suspected case of coccidioidomycosis contracted in Peru and the changes in findings seen over 12 months while in treatment in Switzerland, 2022 and 2023. Blue arrows highlight the pulmonary consolidation and regression over time. White arrows highlight the enlarged infracarinal lymphnodes and their regression and normalization over time.

Figure 2

Satellite images of the region in Madre de Dios, Peru, where a patient from Switzerland contracted a suspected case of coccidioidomycosis while conducting field research, 2022. A) Map of southern Peru; B, C) enlargements of the area affected by mining-induced deforestation and desertification, visited by the patient. Images were obtained by using Google Maps (https://maps.google.com).