Valley Fever Fungal Infection on the Rise: How You Can Protect Yourself from Catching the Disease

Valley fever fungal infection is caused by breathing in spores.  (Photo via Pexels/Ketut Subiyanto)
Valley fever fungal infection is caused by breathing in spores. (Photo via Pexels/Ketut Subiyanto)

Valley fever fungal infection, also known as coccidioidomycosis, desert rheumatism, or San Joaquin valley fever, is an infection caused by breathing in spores of the fungus coccidioides. The spores are tiny and can be carried by the wind, and once they enter the lungs, they can reproduce and continue the disease cycle.

Valley fever is on the rise, especially in the southwestern United States, because of the fungus coccidioides that live in the region’s soils. Spores from this fungus can become airborne and further cause infection when inhaled.

While you can develop this infection at any time of the year, you're at a higher risk in early summer and late fall, as the soil is dry during these times. Construction work, digging, wind, or even walking can release fungal spores and dust into the air, where they can stay for long periods.

As per the California Department of Public Health, 97% of all US cases of valley fever fungal infection is reported in California and Arizona. It's important to note that valley fever fungus is endemic to dry and hot soils.


Symptoms of valley fever fungal infection

Digging can release fungal spores. (Photo via Pexels/Rodolfo Clix)
Digging can release fungal spores. (Photo via Pexels/Rodolfo Clix)

In most cases, valley fever doesn’t cause any specific symptom, but if it does, then the symptoms might include:

  • fatigue and weakness
  • fever
  • shortness of breath
  • excessive cough
  • headache
  • skin rashes
  • chest pain
  • night sweats
  • joint pain and muscle aches

Also read: 5 Common Types of Rashes You Should Know About

The aforementioned symptoms typically appear a few weeks after you have contracted the infection, but most of the time, there is no sign of illness. While most people don’t even realize they are infected, others with severe symptoms such as shortness of breath might require immediate medical care.


How is valley fever fungal infection diagnosed?

Chest pain can be a symptom of valley fever fungal infection. (Photo via Pexels/freestocks.org)
Chest pain can be a symptom of valley fever fungal infection. (Photo via Pexels/freestocks.org)

If you think you might have an infection, it's best to consult a doctor immediately. A blood test can determine whether you have valley fever. Chest X-rays and CT scans can also identify abnormalities from the infection, but they won’t provide many details to differentiate valley fever from other illnesses.

Also read: Symptoms of Norovirus and How to Avoid It?


How can you prevent valley fever fungal infection?

Although the infection is not entirely preventable, as you can’t avoid breathing if you live in an area where coccidioides fungal spores are common, there are some steps you can take to at least reduce your chances of valley fever. These include:

  • Try to stay inside during storms, and close your windows and doors properly.
  • Avoid travelling to areas where you know you will be exposed to dust or dirt, or at least use a respirator mask to filter fungal spores out when you breathe.
  • Limit activities that can expose you to dirt and fungal spores, such as digging, gardening, or any kind of construction work.
  • Use air filters inside your home.
  • Wash your hands well with water, and soap often to avoid skin infections.

How is valley fever treated?

Always wear a mask when outdoors. (Photo via Pexels/Charlotte May)
Always wear a mask when outdoors. (Photo via Pexels/Charlotte May)

Treatment for valley fever fungal infection usually depends on the severity of the symptoms and your overall health condition.

While the symptoms go away within a few months without any medication or treatment, your doctor might recommend certain medications to reduce your risk of serious illness.

In cases where people have an ongoing serious infection or if they have potential risk factors for illnesses such as chronic pulmonary disease, healthcare providers may prescribe antifungal medications. The treatment may last for two to three months depending on the severity of the case.

Valley fever fungal infection can also infect pets, especially dogs. So, it's best to minimize their outdoor exposure and prevent them from digging into the soil.

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Edited by Ruby Khanna
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