Valley Fever Facts

California’s wet winter will cause more cases of a unique fungal infection known as Valley Fever, so state health officials are warning doctors to be on the lookout. 

FULL ARTICLE:
https://laist.com/brief/news/health/california-rain-will-cause-more-valley-fever

April 16, 2024 -

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah - Valley Fever cases are on the rise in southern Utah. The fungal disease spores live in soil in hot, arid climates.

“Agricultural workers, construction workers, firefighters. People whose work puts them in direct contact with soil and or dust,“ said.Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Utah, Katherine Walter.

However, even going for a walk on a dusty, breezy day, could expose people to the spores. Washington County is a hotspot for new construction, which means soil is being disturbed daily.

“ The kind of rapid, unchecked development that is happening in the St. George area is putting people at this interface, with undisturbed ecosystems at a faster rate than has ever occurred before,”
said Walter.

Read full article by Britt Johnson
https://kslnewsradio.com/2095329/valley-fever-cases-increase-in-southern-utah/

Valley Fever is the initial form of the coccidioidomycosis infection. This initial, acute illness can develop into a more serious disease, including chronic and disseminated coccidioidomycosis.

The initial, or acute, form of coccidioidomycosis is often mild, with few or no symptoms. Signs and symptoms usually occur one to three weeks after exposure. They tend to be similar to flu symptoms. Symptoms can range from minor to severe. -mayoclinic.org