not sure if this is the correct place to post this

[lilblessings5]

My 18 year old son went to the eye doctor today..his Dad went with so I'm not getting good information..but...they saw some scar tissue in his eye. The doctor immediately asked if has been around chickens. He said something about it being a disease chickens carry and pass on to humans and it can lay dormant or something and immerge later and he thinks that is what the scar tissue is from. My husband and son of course, couldn't remember the name of the disease or any spefic details. Just that they wanted him to see a specialist. As anyone here heard of anything like this? I'd love to do some research but I'm finding Nothing online.

Thank you

 

[ChooksChick]

It may be histoplasmosis. Usually this manifests with respiratory symptoms first.

 

[jessaw1981]

could someone please explain this to me. I am now scared about how its transmitted. do all chickens have it and will it go away in the kids.

 

[lilblessings5]

I'll look it up and ask them when they get home- if they hear the name, they might remember. I really just thought it was a routine eye exam or I would have gone with. My Men- I've found ( don't know if other are this way) Can't seem to remember details.

 

[lilblessings5]

Quote:
This is what I'm finding so far.

Ocular Histoplasmosis is a condition where scars have formed on the retina due to a fungus commonly found in the Mississippi and Ohio River Valleys. Histoplasmosis is contracted by inhaling these fungal spores from dust. Over 50% of the people living in this area are carriers and usually contract the infection in childhood. Some people may not be affected their entire life while others may develop respiratory infections and other flu-like symptoms.

I guess you would say we live in the Mississippi valleys- and we farm. We are around dust all the time- especially my son, even though he seldom goes into the chicken coops. He has never experienced any other syptoms. Even if this isn't what he has - it is worth educating myself about it.