Valley Fever Outbreak In The US: Know Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

What is Valley Fever?

Valley fever is a respiratory infection caused by Coccidioides, a fungus that lives in the soil of arid regions, particularly in the southwestern United States. When the soil is disturbed by natural phenomena like dust storms or human activities like construction, the fungal spores are released into the air. If inhaled, these spores can lodge in the lungs, causing mild to severe infections, and in some rare cases, may spread to other organs, including the brain.

The infection is not contagious and does not spread from person to person. However, widespread exposure to dust and dirt in endemic regions can lead to localised outbreaks.

Where is Valley Fever Most Common?

Valley fever cases are primarily reported from California and Arizona, though the infection is also seen in Washington state, Central America, and South America. The two known species of the fungus—Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii—grow in different geographical areas but result in similar symptoms and complications.

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How Do You Get Infected?

The fungus lies dormant in soil and becomes airborne when the earth is disturbed. People can get infected by simply breathing in airborne spores. Once inside the lungs, the spores transform into larger structures called spherules, which multiply and spread within the lungs, leading to inflammation, respiratory distress, and in extreme cases, dissemination to other parts of the body. Occupational and environmental exposure, particularly in dry, dusty regions, increases the risk of contracting the disease.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Valley fever can range from asymptomatic to severely debilitating. In cases where symptoms do develop, they usually appear one to three weeks after exposure and may include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Persistent cough
• Fever and chills
• Night sweats
• Shortness of breath
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Skin rash (erythema nodosum)
• Chronic headaches

In some cases, a combination of fever, joint pain, and skin nodules is referred to as ‘desert rheumatism.’

Who Is Most at Risk?

While anyone breathing in contaminated air can become infected, certain populations are more vulnerable to severe illness. These include:

• Adults over the age of 60
• People with weakened immune systems (e.g., due to chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, or immunosuppressive medications)
• Pregnant women, especially in their third trimester
• Individuals with diabetes
• Black and Filipino populations, who appear to be at greater risk for severe disease
• Construction and agricultural workers, and others exposed to dust-laden environments
• Recent migrants or travellers to endemic regions

Diagnosis and Treatment

Valley fever is typically diagnosed through blood tests, chest X-rays, or sputum analysis to detect fungal infection. If caught early, the condition can often be managed with antifungal medications, such as fluconazole or itraconazole.

While most healthy individuals recover on their own without medical intervention, those with severe infections may require long-term treatment and hospitalisation, especially if the fungus has spread beyond the lungs.

Preventive Measures

Although it’s hard to completely avoid exposure in endemic regions, some precautions can reduce the risk:

• Wearing N95 masks when engaging in outdoor activities in dusty areas
• Keeping windows closed during dust storms
• Using air filtration systems indoors
• Wetting soil before digging or gardening to minimise dust clouds

Bottomline

The recent rise in Valley fever cases in the U.S. serves as a reminder that even environmental pathogens can pose serious health threats. While not everyone exposed will fall ill, individuals with underlying health conditions or those at higher risk should take extra precautions. Early recognition of symptoms and prompt medical care can go a long way in managing the disease and preventing serious complications.