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According to health officials, cases of valley fever in California are increasing.
By the end of July, 6,761 cases were confirmed – which means that if this speed continues, the total number 2025 will exceed the 12,595 cases seen in 2024.
Last year’s total was a new record for the state, where the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has average 7,000 to 9,000 cases between 2016 and 2024 per annum.
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The counting of the case is likely to increase due to delay in reporting.
“Valley Fever is a serious disease to live here in California,” Erica Pan, director of the state’s public health department, said in a statement.
According to health officials, cases of valley fever in California are increasing. (Istock)
In California, in the name of San Jokin Valley, Valley Fever is an infection caused by breathing in the spores of a fungus called Cokidiids, which is produced in the soil.
“Valley fever is a serious disease to live here in California.”
According to the Disease Control and Prevention Center (CDC) in Southern Arizona and Southern California, the highest amounts of cases are – but the disease is also prevalent in parts of New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Texas and Washington states.
Research has shown that Drought period After the rainfall, the development of valley fever fungi can be boosted, so that people can send spores in the air in which people breathe.
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Dr. George Thompson, Professor of UC Davis Health and the co-director of the Center for Valley Fever at Sacramento, had spoken about the ramp-up in matters with Fox News Digital.
“We have seen a gradual increase in cases in the last five years, and more and more patients are coming to our clinic for diagnosis and treatment,” he said.
Risks and symptoms
While geographical location increases the overall risk of the contract of valley fever, CDC notes that some groups are more weak.
These include people aged 60 years and above, who have weakened the immune system as a result of some diseases or medical conditions, pregnant women, Diabetic peopleAnd those people who are black or Philipino.
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Symptoms of valley fever may vary in types and severity, but they mimic the people seen in patients with Covid -19, saying experts.
“Some [people] Thompson of UC Davis Health said that there may be fever, chills or fatigue, or simply may feel unwell.
In California, in the name of San Jokin Valley, Valley Fever is an infection caused by breathing in the spores of a fungus called Cokidiids, which is produced in the soil. (Istock)
However, he said that he looks at some serious cases where patients experience respiratory illness And difficulty in breathing.
Other symptoms may include extreme fatigue, bone or joint pain, night sweating, fever, severe headache, weight loss and skin rashes.
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Thompson estimated that for 1% to 3% of people, the infection would leave the lungs and travel to other parts of the body, which can do Lead to meningitis,
Those who experience severe valley fever disease may need to be treated in the hospital, and may require medical care going on for months or years, warnings by health officials.
An expert said that since the fungus causes fever fever in the soil, the infection often “hobby,” a specialist said. He said that he looks at many cases among those who are in archeology or who spend a lot of time outside. (Istock)
Although this is rare, people outside high -risk groups may experience serious effects from valley fever.
One of them is Rob Pardi in California, who signed a valley fever in 2012 when he was 38 years old. In
“Some [people] Fever, chills or fatigue may occur, or simply may feel unwell. ,
The spores of the fungus spread from its lungs to its brain and nervous system, a potentially fatal condition.
More than a decade later, the Pardi Valley remains with the effect of the cocidyididal meningitis caused by fever.
Prevention strategies
Since the fungus, which causes valley fever, lives in the soil, the infection often “is related to hobbies,” Thompson said. He said that he looks at many cases among those who are in archeology or who spend a lot of time outside.
Whoever experiences cough, fever, fatigue or other valley fever for more than seven to 10 days, should see a doctor. (Istock)
For those in high -risk groups, doctors recommend avoiding construction sites or areas where the soil is often shaken in the air.
People can also wear An N95 breathing, A type of high quality mask to reduce exposure in dusty areas.
Diagnosis and treatment
Not every person acquiring valley fever requires medical treatment, although some may benefit from antifungal drugs.
People who have serious symptoms, they take immunocompromizing medications, cancer, HIV, pregnant or an organ transplant requires antifungal.
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A blood test sent to a laboratory can confirm a current or pre-infection of valley fever, and according to the CDC, a chest X-ray or CT scan can detect cases of pneumonia.
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Whoever experiences cough, fever, fatigue or other valley fever for more than seven to 10 days, should see a doctor, especially if they are around dirt or dust in areas where fungi is prevalent.
