Valley fever is a fungal infection caused by inhaling spores from the soil, and it’s more common than many realize. Often found in certain regions of the United States, especially in the Southwest, this disease can have serious health implications, yet it remains widely misunderstood.
What is Valley Fever?
Valley fever, also known as "cocci" or coccidioidomycosis, is an infection caused by inhaling spores of the Coccidioides fungus. This fungus lives in soil and dirt in certain parts of the southwestern United States, including California.
Exposure
Exposure to the Coccidioides fungal spores occur by inhaling dust that contains the fungal spores. When soil or dirt is stirred up, the fungal spores can become airborne. The fugal spores enter the body most commonly through inhalation, but in rare cases, the fungal spores can enter the body through a cut, wound, splinter, etc., and cause a skin infection.
Hazards
Symptoms of valley fever typically last for a few weeks or a few months. If the infection becomes severe, it can cause serious or long-term lung problems. In rare cases, it can spread to the brain, joints, bone, skin, or other organs, causing an infection that may be serious and even fatal. Fortunately, this infection can be cured by a healthcare professional with prolonged antibiotic treatment.
Symptoms
Valley fever primarily affects the lungs, causing symptoms, such as:
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Fever
- Breath shortness
- Headaches
- Night sweats
- And, upper body/leg rash
Prevention
The following are a few ways valley fever can be prevented:
- Avoid areas with high volumes of dust; if this is not possible, wear an N95 respirator
- Avoid activities involving close contact with dirt/dust
- Clean skin injuries with soap and water
- And, be aware of symptoms
Treatment
If symptoms occur, remove yourself from the dusty area. Typically, valley fever goes away within a few months without treatment in a healthy, non-immunocompromised individual. A healthcare provider may recommend and prescribe a prolonged course of antibiotic/antifungal medication to reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent the infection from worsening.
Resources
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a map of areas where Coccidioides fungus is found.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) provides information for outdoor workers exposed to this fungi.
Conclusion
Valley fever is a serious yet often overlooked health risk, especially for those living in or visiting areas where the fungus thrives. While it can be challenging to detect and diagnose, early awareness and prevention are key to reducing the risk of infection.
