A tragic story from Spring Hill, Tennessee, has brought attention to a rare yet potentially deadly disease. Histoplasmosis, a lung infection caused by a fungus, has claimed the life of a beloved woman, leaving her family and friends devastated.
The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is currently investigating a cluster of histoplasmosis cases in Williamson and Maury counties, with a confirmed 35 cases so far. This has raised concerns about the timely diagnosis and treatment of this illness.
Histoplasmosis, often mistaken for pneumonia or other respiratory illnesses, presents symptoms such as cough, chest pain, fever, chills, fatigue, and shortness of breath. It is caused by a fungus found in soil, and its source of exposure can be challenging to pinpoint, as explained by the TDH.
Alyssia Brown, a resident of Spring Hill, unfortunately, succumbed to this disease. Her story began with a persistent cough shortly after moving into a new home in October. Her roommate and best friend, Kimberly Shelton, initially thought it was nothing serious, but as time passed, the cough lingered, and Brown's condition worsened.
"It was just a cough that seemed to go on forever," Shelton recalled. "I had no idea it could be something so serious."
Brown's mother, Gwendolyn, recognized the symptoms after reading about the histoplasmosis cluster online. "She told me every symptom described the way she was feeling," Gwendolyn said.
Despite seeking medical attention and being treated for bronchitis, Brown's condition deteriorated. Her family believes a prescribed steroid medication, prednisone, may have contributed to her decline. Shelton insists that she repeatedly requested histoplasmosis testing, but her pleas fell on deaf ears.
"I had to beg them to test her. I knew something was wrong, and I wanted answers," Shelton said.
Unfortunately, a histoplasmosis test was only ordered on December 13th, and by then, it was too late. Brown passed away on December 15th. The test results, which came back positive, were received on December 18th, further adding to the family's grief.
"The loss of my best friend has left an unfillable void. I want people to know, don't ignore persistent symptoms. Fight for your health," Shelton emphasized.
In response to the situation, the TDH shared that they do not confirm individual causes of death and respect the procedures of private healthcare providers. They had issued an alert to healthcare providers on December 3, 2025, providing information on histoplasmosis and recommended testing timelines.
The TDH also highlighted the prevalence of histoplasmosis in Tennessee's soil, making complete prevention difficult. Those with weakened immune systems or exposed to large amounts of spores are at higher risk of severe infection.
To reduce the risk, the TDH recommends avoiding outdoor activities that disturb soil, limiting contact with plant matter, and bird and bat droppings. For higher-risk activities, such as cleaning chicken coops or exploring caves, an N-95 mask is advised.
Brown's mother urges everyone to be persistent in seeking testing if they suspect exposure. "Don't give up. Keep asking until you get the tests you need," she said.
As the family awaits the official autopsy results, they hope that sharing Alyssia's story will raise awareness and encourage others to take persistent symptoms seriously, seeking medical attention promptly.
And this is the part most people miss: histoplasmosis is often overlooked, but it can be deadly. It's a silent killer that hides in plain sight. So, stay vigilant, and don't hesitate to speak up for your health.
