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Fungal Outbreak Strikes 18, Leaves Man Fighting for Life
12 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A 24-year-old Type 1 diabetic fell critically ill from a fungal infection.
- He experienced cardiac arrest and organ failure requiring life support.
- Tennessee issued an advisory for increased histoplasmosis cases.
A severe fungal infection has impacted at least 18 individuals in the Nashville area, with one young man now in critical condition. Liam O'Neal, a 24-year-old with Type 1 diabetes, developed a high fever and other symptoms but initially tested negative for common respiratory viruses. His condition worsened significantly, leading to a seizure, organ failure, and cardiac arrest.
To save his life, Liam required intensive medical interventions, including continuous dialysis and an ECMO machine to support his heart and lungs. His mother expressed concern that earlier testing for histoplasmosis, the diagnosed fungal infection, might have prevented the severe decline. Histoplasmosis is caused by inhaling spores found in soil and animal droppings.
The Tennessee Department of Health issued an advisory on December 3rd, noting a surge in acute and severe histoplasmosis cases in Williamson and Maury counties. The state is urging healthcare providers to consider this fungal infection in their differential diagnoses, especially given the ongoing investigation into the outbreak's specific sources.
