Cryptococcus is a tiny (microscopic) yeast-like fungus. Varieties of the fungus are found naturally in the environment in B.C. and in other places around the world.
One variety of this fungus, Cryptococcus gattii, has been living on trees on the south and east coasts of Vancouver Island since at least 1999. It has also been found in the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health Regions.
Most people living in areas where Cryptococcus grows will be exposed to the fungus in the environment sometime during their life but most will not get sick.
Cryptococcal disease is a very rare disease caused by the Cryptococcus fungus. For more information, read the Fact Sheet (PDF) or visit these links: