Valley Fever: What You Need to Know

Valley Fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is an infectious disease caused by inhaling spores of the fungus Coccidioides. These fungi live in the soil of dry, dusty regions, especially in the southwestern United States, parts of Mexico, and Central and South America. While often mild or even unnoticed in many cases, Valley Fever can cause serious illness, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

Causes and Transmission
Valley Fever is not contagious — it cannot be spread from person to person. The infection occurs when a person breathes in microscopic fungal spores that become airborne when soil is disturbed by activities such as construction, farming, or strong winds. The Coccidioides fungi thrive in arid regions with hot summers and mild winters.

Who Is at Risk?
Anyone living in or visiting an endemic area can get Valley Fever. However, certain groups are at greater risk of developing severe disease:

People over 60 years old
Pregnant women (especially in the third trimester)
People with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV/AIDS, cancer, organ transplant recipients)
People of African American or Filipino descent
Outdoor workers exposed to dust (e.g., farmers, construction workers)

Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear 1 to 3 weeks after inhaling the spores and can resemble the flu. Common symptoms include:

Fever
Cough
Fatigue
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Headache
Muscle aches
Night sweats
Skin rash (sometimes)

About 60% of infected individuals may not show any symptoms at all. In some cases, the infection can progress to a more severe form involving the lungs or spread (disseminate) to other parts of the body, such as the brain, bones, skin, or joints.

Diagnosis
Valley Fever can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms mimic other illnesses like the flu, pneumonia, or even COVID-19. Diagnosis typically involves:

Blood tests for antibodies or antigens
Chest X-rays or CT scans
Sputum cultures to detect the fungus

Treatment
Most cases of Valley Fever resolve on their own without treatment. However, antifungal medications are prescribed for:

Severe or persistent symptoms
People at high risk for complications
Disseminated disease

Common antifungal drugs include fluconazole and itraconazole. Treatment duration can range from weeks to months or even years, depending on the severity.

Prevention
There is no vaccine for Valley Fever. Preventive strategies include:

Avoiding outdoor activities in dusty areas during windy conditions
Wearing N95 masks when disturbing soil in endemic areas
Staying indoors during dust storms
Using air filtration systems

Valley Fever is a significant health concern in certain regions, particularly the southwestern U.S. Though often mild, it can cause serious illness in some people. Awareness, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are key to managing and preventing complications from this disease. If you live in or travel to an endemic area and experience flu-like symptoms that don't improve, it’s important to seek medical attention and discuss the possibility of Valley Fever with your healthcare provider.