Transmission of Paracoccidioides spp. fungi to humans is usually related to manipulation of soil. Rural workers are the most affected group. We report an outbreak of paracoccidioidomycosis after deforestation and massive earth removal during construction of a highway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Extensive environmental disturbances might be involved in fungal transmission.
Keywords: Brazil; Paracoccidioides; Rio de Janeiro; aerial dispersion; conidia; deforestation; fungi; highway construction; human infections; neglected disease; outbreak; paracoccidioidomycosis; respiratory infections; soil; systemic mycosis.