South American blastomycosis is known medically as paracoccidioidal granuloma, or paracoccidioidomycosis

South American blastomycosis occurs primarily in Brazil, although cases crop up in.other parts of South America. The disease is far more serious than.(North American blastomycosis), which is endemic to the eastern United States, southern Canada.

There is no way to prevent the disease.

South American blastomycosis is caused by the yeast-like fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis that is acquired by breathing in the spores of the fungus, which is commonly found in old wood and soil.

The disease is chronic and often fatal. Because blastomycosis may be recurrent, patients should continue follow-up care for several years.