California could face an uptick in Valley fever cases this summer. These are the symptoms

Brianna Taylor
·3 min read

The record-breaking rainfall that pummeled the state last winter may lead to an uptick in Valley fever infections, California health officials say.

The state’s current dry heat — combined with a winter of nonstop rain — make the perfect recipe for an increasing number of cases, said Dr. Tomás Aragón, director of the California Department of Public Health. The best line of defense is to know what symptoms to look out for, the public health officer wrote in a statement.

Nearly 20,000 cases — mostly from California and Arizona — are reported in the U.S. each year. That number is growing.

Valley fever is most common in Kern, Kings, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Tulare, Madera, and Monterey counties. In the last several years, more cases than usual have been reported in Northern San Joaquin Valley and Southern California.

If cases begin to trend upward as health officials predict, it will be within the next couple of months.

What is Valley fever?

Valley fever or coccidioidomycosis attacks the lungs, according to a CDPH statement, causing the following respiratory symptoms:

  • Cough

  • Fever

  • Pain in the chest

  • Fatigue or the constant feeling of exhaustion

These prolonged symptoms can make activities difficult. If you experience lingering cough or fatigue, Aragón said to talk to a health provider because it could be confused with COVID-19.

HOW TO PREVENT EXPOSURE

It can be difficult to completely prevent exposure because the fungus circulates with help from the dust outside, CDPH wrote in a statement.

Here are a few tips to minimize exposure:

  • Stay inside with closed windows and doors when it’s windy and dusty.

  • Wet the soil before digging to prevent dust clouds.

  • Wear an N95 mask when it’s dusty outside.

How is Valley fever contracted?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Valley fever is a fungus found in soil within the southwestern part of the U.S. as well as portions of Mexico and Central and South America.

People contract the infection by breathing in microscopic particles of the fungus, but it’s rare.

Those who become infected typically heal without medication, but it can take months. Others need anti-fungal medicine.

These groups are at a higher risk for Valley fever, according to the CDC:

  • People with HIV/AIDS

  • People with organ transplants

  • People taking corticosteroids or TNF-inhibitors medications

  • Pregnant people

  • People with diabetes

According to the CDC and the Cleveland Clinic, Black and Filipino people are also at a higher risk for Valley Fever than others.

Is Valley Fever contagious?

No.

According to the CDC, infections cannot spread from one person’s (or animal’s) lung’s to another.

In “extremely” rare cases, a wound infected with the fungus can spread to someone else. It’s possible the infection can also spread from one organ transplant to another infected organ.

Can my pet get Valley fever?

It’s possible.

According to the CDC, dogs are particularly susceptible to Valley fever. However, it’s not contagious between people and animals.

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