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For the second year in a row, California is on track to have a record number of valley fever cases.
According to the California Department of Public Health, valley fever has been reported statewide, statewide reported valley fever between January and April, with more than 2,000 cases increasing from 2023.
The total number of cases in the last year reached 12,605. In 2023 there were over 9,000 cases.
Valley fever, or coccidioid disease, is a pulmonary infection that people get when they suck fungal spores, coccidioid spores, and fungal spores that live in dry soil, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Fungal spores growing in dry soil are released into the air when the soil is disrupted by wind, construction or other activities.
The fungus has been found in the Pacific Northwest and Southwest America, part of Mexico, Central America and South America.
Last year, in Kern County, bottle music festival lightning became a sick hotspot. After 19 people reported having infected valley fever, they experienced severe symptoms such as pneumonia-like conditions, rashes, headaches and fatigue.
Valley fever cases generally increase statewide at the end of summer and decline in winter, but state public health officials say valley fever transmission begins earlier and lasts longer.
Researchers from Berkeley, California say climate change is expected to lead to drier spring and fall seasons and heavier winter rains. Long, dry seasons can extend periods of high-risk exposure to valley fever.
Valley fever is often misdiagnosed. This can make it difficult for health officials to accurately report the number of cases, as symptoms (cough, fever, chest pain) are similar to other infections.
The number of cases of Valley Fever so far this year is hyped towards new records, but public health officials say it’s still early in the year to decide whether this will be a record breaker.
Here we present some precautions to help locals, hikers and tourists in the county with high valley fever reported to avoid illness this summer.
How to protect yourself from protecting yourself from valley fever
Fresno County Public Health officials, including the John Muir Trail section, share the following caution tips for hikers:
Stay on well-maintained trails and avoid dust kicking activities such as digging and pass-offs. When hiking in dusty or dry conditions, consider wearing a properly mounted N95 mask. Avoid hiking on windy days or shortly after interference that can increase dust in the air. Clean the skin wounds well with soap and water, especially if you are exposed to soil or dust.
For those living, working or traveling in areas where valley fever fungi grow, the CDC recommends:
When you’re indoors, it’s windy outside and the air is dusty. On windy days, close windows and doors to prevent dust and spores from entering the home. When driving in dusty areas, close the car windows and use recirculating air if possible. Before digging, wet the soil and dirt to avoid stirring it into the air.
People at risk of contracting valley fever
People who spend a lot of time outdoors in areas where valley fever is common and are exposed to dirt and dust in areas where valley fever is common, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. These include construction workers, farmers, military personnel and archaeologists.
People who live and work near dry, dusty areas also risk exposure to valley fever.
People at high risk of developing illness include:
Adults over the age of 60. People suffering from diabetes or health conditions that weaken the immune system, including cancer, HIV, or autoimmune diseases, those with organ transplants, or those receiving chemotherapy or steroids. Pregnant women, especially women in the late stages of pregnancy. Children over 5 years old. Black people, Latino, Native Americans and Filipinos are decent people, but experts say they don’t have a clear answer as to why these people are more sensitive.
What are the symptoms of valley fever?
The fungus can infect the lungs and cause respiratory symptoms, including:
Coughfeverchest Pain Muscle Respiratory Muscle or Joint Pain Sweat Sweat Loss Rash
Valley Fever shares many of the same symptoms as other respiratory diseases, including Covid-19, but it takes about 1-3 weeks for valley fever symptoms to develop, and the illness can last for more than a month.
No treatment is required, as some people with valley fever may only experience mild symptoms that improve within a few weeks, according to Los Angeles County public health officials.
However, symptoms may last for more than a month and may require treatment upon consultation from a doctor.
In rare cases, the disease can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body.
This disease is usually diagnosed as a blood test.
If you test negative for Covid-19, have respiratory symptoms lasting for more than a week and live in an area where valley fever is more common, or have recently traveled, public health officials suggest you talk to a doctor.
Treatment is determined based on the severity of the disease, as valley fever has a different effect on each person. This disease is often treated with antifungal medications.
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