Increases in infections due to Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) in California, USA

This year the number of suspected cases of Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) has increased substantially, and health authorities are at a loss as to why. So far this year, 5,121 suspected cases of this infection were reported to local health units. During the same time period in 2016, the total was 3,827 reported cases.

Advice

It is difficult to prevent inhalation of the fungal spores in areas where they live in the soil and dust, but the risk of getting valley fever is low, even in dusty areas. People who are at increased risk include persons with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and people with diabetes. People at risk who visit areas where this fungus is found can minimize the risk of exposure by avoiding areas with lots of dust (construction or excavation sites), staying inside and closing the windows during dust storms, avoiding activities that have close contact with dirt or dust (gardening or digging), and cleaning skin injuries well with soap and water.