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In severe cases, it can lead to more serious complications, such as pneumonia or chronic lung disease.
If you've had Valley fever and recovered, you're immune to it, which means you're very unlikely to get it again.
If you've been diagnosed with Valley fever, reach out to your healthcare provider immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, changes in vision or hearing, a stiff neck, or notice blood in your saliva.
Symptoms of mild cases of Valley fever usually go away on their own after a few weeks or months.
Currently, there is no vaccine for Valley fever.
Sources: (CNN) (Mayo Clinic) (Cleveland Clinic)
See also: Fungal infections: facts and figures about mycosis
Certain professions, such as construction workers or agricultural laborers, are at higher risk due to increased exposure to disturbed soil.
Ongoing research aims to better understand Valley fever, including its epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment options.
Chronic infections require prolonged antifungal therapy to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Valley fever is often misdiagnosed as other respiratory conditions, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis.
Monitoring soil and air quality in endemic regions can help predict and manage outbreaks.
Raising awareness about Valley fever, particularly in endemic areas, can improve early detection and treatment.
Some individuals may experience long-term respiratory issues even after treatment, including chronic cough, fatigue, and lung damage.
Changes in climate, such as increased dust storms or alterations in rainfall patterns, can impact the spread of Valley fever. Warmer temperatures and drought conditions may enhance the survival of fungal spores.
Valley fever affects thousands of people each year, particularly in endemic regions. The prevalence can vary based on environmental conditions, population density, and changes in climate.
Preventive measures include reducing exposure to dust and soil. Wearing masks or covering your face during dust storms or while working in soil can help reduce the risk of inhaling fungal spores.
Mild cases may resolve themselves without medical intervention. For moderate to severe cases, antifungal medications like fluconazole or itraconazole are prescribed. Treatments can take three to six months.
This severe form occurs when the infection spreads from the lungs to other parts of the body, including the skin, bones, and central nervous system. It requires aggressive antifungal treatment and can lead to significant health issues if not managed properly.
In some cases, Valley fever can become chronic, especially if untreated. Chronic forms may involve persistent lung problems, bone pain, or skin lesions.
Diagnosing Valley fever involves blood tests, skin tests, and sputum cultures. A blood test can detect antibodies to the fungus, while a skin test can show an immune response. Sputum cultures can confirm the presence of the fungi in respiratory secretions.
Individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and those of African or Filipino descent are at higher risk. Other risk factors include living in or visiting endemic areas and having preexisting lung conditions.
Valley fever is most prevalent in the Southwestern US, particularly in California, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico.
Valley fever isn't contagious. Instead, it's contracted through inhalation of airborne fungal spores that become airborne when soil is disturbed.
It's also found in parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America, particularly in areas with similar climates.
Symptoms usually appear one to three weeks after inhaling the fungal spores. The incubation period can vary based on individual immune response and exposure level.
A rash may develop in some cases, appearing on the upper body or legs. However, this is more common in disseminated cases, where the infection spreads beyond the lungs.
Common symptoms include fever, cough, chest pain, and fatigue. Some people may experience joint aches and muscle pain.
The medical term for Valley fever is coccidioidomycosis, which comes from the genus Coccidioides. The term is derived from the Greek word kokkidion, meaning "small grain," referencing the appearance of the fungal spores.
Coccidioides fungi are found in the soil of arid and semi-arid regions. These fungi release spores into the air, which can be inhaled, leading to infection. The spores are especially prevalent in disturbed soil, like construction sites or agricultural fields.
Valley fever is an infection caused by inhaling fungal spores from the Coccidioides fungi. The condition primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body.
Currently spreading across California, what exactly is Valley fever? Click on to find out.
What exactly is Valley fever?
Cases are on the rise in California
HEALTH Infections
Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides, which grows in the soil of the Southwestern US, parts of Washington state, and Central and South America. In most cases, it causes mild or no symptoms, and often clears up on its own. However, in rare cases it can lead to persistent lung problems or more serious illness, requiring medical treatment to manage the complications.
Currently spreading across California, what exactly is Valley fever? Click on to find out.