Humidifier fever

Category

Acute Poisoning

Acute/Chronic

Acute-Moderate (not life-threatening)

Comments

Symptoms: flu-like illness;
Signs: leukocytosis; normal chest x-ray;
Onset after exposure: 4-8 hours;
Heavy exposure to: bioaerosols from air conditioning and humidifier systems;
Resolution: spontaneously within two to three days;
Comments: associated with stagnant water and forced-air ventilation systems;
[Rom, p. 406-8]

Latency/Incubation

4 to 8 hours

Diagnostic

Clinical

ICD-9 Code

495.9

ICD-10 Code

J66.8

IDdx Link

Symptoms/Findings

Symptoms/Findings associated with this disease:

• chest tightness
• cough
• fever
• headache
• leukocytosis
• myalgia
• rhinitis

Job Tasks

High risk job tasks associated with this disease:

• Inhale bioaerosols in the home, school, or office environment

Agents

Hazardous agents that cause the occupational disease:

• Endotoxins