August is Valley Fever Awareness Month, and many Valley residents want to know what causes Valley fever, how to protect their families and what the symptoms are, as well as preventive measures.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) states that residents should remain on high alert during the late summer and early fall. The CDPH notes that the number of Valley fever cases has increased significantly in the past few years; during 2024, there were approximately 12,500 cases in the state.
Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis, or cocci) is caused by a fungus that grows in the soil that can typically be found in some areas of California and the Southwest. The fungus usually affects the lungs and causes symptoms such as a fever, chest pain, a cough and tiredness.
Valley fever has also caused severe pulmonary infections and chronic lung damage. UCLA Health adds that the illness can spread beyond the lungs and infect other organs such as the brain.
The CDPH has determined that people who work or dig outdoors in certain areas of California are more susceptible to contracting Valley fever.
Although the illness is not contagious and will not spread through contact, pets such as dogs and cats can contract Valley fever. Firefighters who dig or move soil to control fires during the fire season are at higher risk of contracting Valley fever.
The CDPH suggests that the public should monitor their symptoms. If you experience trouble breathing, tiredness, fever and a cough for more than 7–10 days you should speak with your healthcare provider. One typically notices a decline in their health 1–3 weeks after breathing in the fungus.
Which Regions Face a Greater Risk?
The CDPH notes that most cases reported in California are in the Central Valley and Central Coast regions. Southwestern states such as Arizona, Mexico, Central and South America are also high-risk areas.
California counties facing a higher risk are Fresno, Madera, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Kern, Merced, San Luis Obispo, Tulare, Kings, Monterey, Santa Barbara and Ventura.
A major factor that can increase the risk of contracting Valley fever is if you live, work, attend school or travel to areas that have reported cases of Valley fever.
UCLA Health has concluded that Valley fever is exacerbated by climate change. Drought and wet winters have caused mold and spores to spread throughout the air, thereby increasing the spread of Valley fever.
UCLA Health’s Dr. Kyle Yang emphasizes that due to hotter and drier conditions the fungus can thrive. “Maybe in a few decades, half of the United States will be endemic for cocci,” he says.
“Because of climate change and global warming, this endemic fungus will become more widespread and cause more infections.”
Valley Fever Awareness Month
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to work on a vaccine for Valley fever, but no vaccine is yet available. Those who live near construction sites or dry terrain should strive to remain inside during dust storms and close their windows. It is also optimal for residents to avoid activities involving contact with soil, such as gardening, and use air filtration measures indoors.
If you have contracted Valley fever, your physician might prescribe antifungal medications to prevent infections, particularly for persons with increased risk due to health conditions.
Healthcare experts say that it is essential to remain informed, educate others to raise awareness and employ preventive measures such as wearing masks when outdoors in dry conditions and near wet soil before digging to minimize exposure.
