Valley fever, a disease caused by inhaling a type of fungus found in soil, is a rare and potentially deadly condition that has been increasing in the American Southwest over the past 20 years. The disease, which is primarily found in the Southwest, is a reportable disease in some states and typically results in 10,000-20000 cases annually. However, the spread of Valley fever has been fueled by climate change, extreme drought, and fires.
The fungus that causes Valley fever, coccidioides, is now found throughout the Southwest, including California, though Arizona accounts for nearly two-thirds of all Valley fever cases in the U.S. The fungus is endemic to the hot, dry soils of the Southwest, and 97 of all U.S. cases of Valley fever are reported in Arizona and California. A warming planet is creating more hospitable conditions for this exotic and sometimes deadly disease, making prevention through reasonable reduction in exposure the best way to reduce its incidence and human suffering.
Prevention through reasonable reduction in exposure is likely the best way to reduce the incidence of Valley fever, as it rarely spreads from one person to another. There is currently no vaccine to prevent Valley fever, but certain groups of people may be at risk due to the presence of the fungus in the soil.
In conclusion, Valley fever, a fungal infection that causes influenza-like symptoms and often leads to hospitalization, has increased dramatically in the US Southwest in recent years.
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What are the chances of getting Valley fever?
About 80 people in southern Arizona live with Valley Fever, with a 3-year chance of infection. Longer endemic areas increase the risk. Infections are more likely during specific seasons, with the highest prevalence in Arizona occurring from June through July and October through November, and in California from June through November without the late summer break.
Who is the most common victim of Valley fever?
Valley Fever is a common disease affecting anyone living in or traveling to areas where Coccidioides is present. It is most common in adults aged 60 and older, but can affect anyone. People with weakened immune systems, pregnant people, those with diabetes, and those taking chronic corticosteroid therapy are at higher risk. The risk of Valley Fever infection may be greater for people of American Indian or Alaska Native descent, and the risk of severe disease may be greater among people of Black or Filipino descent.
To prevent Valley Fever, people should avoid dusty places, close windows and doors, and use air filtration in homes and vehicles. For those at risk for severe disease, they should avoid areas with lots of dust, such as construction or excavation sites, or wear an N95 respirator if dust cannot be avoided. The Department of Health is working with local public health partners, healthcare providers, and veterinarians to raise awareness about Valley Fever in Washington.
Does Las Vegas have Valley fever?
Valley fever, a disease caused by Coccidioides, is primarily found in the Southwest and Pacific regions of the U. S., with historical cases in Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico. In 2013, Washington was added to the list of states with local spread, with some residents experiencing symptoms without recent travel to known areas.
Which area of the United States has the highest incidence of coccidioidomycosis?
In 2016, California’s San Joaquin Valley reported 5372 cases of coccidioidomycosis, the highest yearly number of cases since the state made coccidioidomycosis reportable in 1995. The incidence per 100, 000 population was 13. 7, a 71-fold increase from 2015. The highest incidence was observed among people aged 40-59, with 18. 8% reported in Kern County. Seventy percent of cases were reported from seven endemic counties in the California Central Valley and Central Coast, with Kern County having the highest rate of 251.
7 per 100, 000 population. The increase in coccidioidomycosis cases observed in California was not seen elsewhere, with Arizona’s 2016 incidence being 89. 3/100, 000, lower than the 2015 incidence of 112. 8. For other states where coccidioidomycosis is reportable, the combined 2016 incidence rate remained stable at 0. 5.
What time of year is Valley fever most common?
Valley fever can be contracted at any time of year, but its prevalence increases in late summer and fall compared to other seasons.
Should I worry about Valley fever?
Valley fever, a rare and serious condition, can spread to other parts of the body, infecting the brain, joints, bone, skin, or other organs. If symptoms persist for more than a week, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
What are the odds of getting Valley fever?
About 80 people in southern Arizona live with Valley Fever, with a 3-year chance of infection. Longer endemic areas increase the risk. Infections are more likely during specific seasons, with the highest prevalence in Arizona occurring from June through July and October through November, and in California from June through November without the late summer break.
Why is Valley fever on the rise in the United States?
Valley fever, also known as coccidiodomycosis, is a lung disease that has increased by 400 percent between 1998-2015 in the U. S., particularly in the Southwest. The increase is attributed to increased dust storms due to climate change. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published a study linking the increase in valley fever cases to the surge in dust storms. The NOAA found that the incidents of dust storms have more than doubled over two decades, from 20 to 48 between 1988 and 2011.
The strongest explanation for the rise in valley fever is the increased occurrence of dust storms due to warmer temperatures and drier climates in the Southwest. Further research is needed to determine the exact cause of this trend.
What areas in the US have Valley fever?
Valley fever is caused by inhaling spores of certain fungi, Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii, found in soil in Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, California, Texas, and Washington. Named after the San Joaquin Valley in California, these fungi have a complex life cycle. They grow as molds with long filaments in the soil, which break off into airborne spores when disturbed. These spores, which are extremely small and can be carried by the wind, reproduce inside the lungs, continuing the disease cycle.
What is the Valley fever in the Southwest?
Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis or “cocci”, is a disease caused by a fungus found in soil and dirt in California and the southwestern United States. It infects the lungs and causes respiratory symptoms like cough, fever, chest pain, and tiredness. Most cases occur in the Central Valley and Central Coast regions, but they are also increasing outside of these areas due to increased drought in California. Valley fever cases are on the rise in northern Central Valley and southern coastal areas.
What time of year is Valley fever worse?
Valley fever can be contracted at any time of year, but its prevalence increases in late summer and fall compared to other seasons.
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