Cat-Linked Fungus Detected in Uruguay, Sparking South American Health Alarm

Uruguay has detected Sporothrix brasiliensis, a fungus that causes skin infections, in cats, other pets, and people, signaling cat-to-human transmission and a potential regional spread across South America. The fungus thrives in warm-blooded hosts and spreads through scratches or bites; diagnosis is by microscopy or culture, and treatment is antifungal but lengthy. Public health efforts emphasize fast diagnosis, treating both humans and pets, and controlling stray cats to prevent wider outbreaks, amid reports of thousands of human cases across the region over the past decade.