The British Columbia Cryptococcal Working Group is investigating the emergence of life-threatening fungal infection caused by the 'tropical fungus' Cryptococcus gattii, among humans and animals residing on or visiting Vancouver Island, as well as other parts of BC and the Pacific Northwest.

This website offers information for residents and visitors of British Columbia, as well as for physicians, veterinarians, and medical and environmental health officers.

Confirmed or suspected cryptococcal disease in humans is notifiable (reportable) by law in British Columbia, to enable continued surveillance, evaluation and management of the disease by public health officials (more details). Physicans or microbiologists seeking to submit clinical specimens should contact Dr. Muhammad Morshed of the BC Centre for Disease Control.

Veterinarians are also encouraged to report incidents of cryptococcal disease, since animal infections are often a sentinel for human infection. Animal health personnel seeking to submit a specimen should contact Dr. Karen Bartlett at the University of British Columbia.

The information provided on this website has been compiled to the best of our ability using the data available to us. While every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate and up-to-date, the BC Cryptococcal Working Group assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or out-of-date information provided either on this website or on any website that is linked to it. This information is not intended to serve as medical or legal advice. Information, images or resources provided on this website should not be used or reproduced without permission.

Designed and maintained by the BC Cryptococcal Working Group

Photos provided by the BC Cryptococcal Working Group, unless otherwise stated