Debosmita Ghosh • 09 Aug 2024
14 People Test Positive For Valley Fever In California; Symptoms And Preventive Measures Of The Fungal Infection
Symptoms And Preventive Measures Of Valley Fever
An outbreak of Valley fever has been reported in Arizona and California after 14 attendees and workers at an outdoor music festival in California’s Central Valley. Speaking to NBC News, the California Department of Public Health said that people who travelled to attend or work at the Lightning in a Bottle Festival in Bakersfield in May have tested positive for Valley fever and developed symptoms. At least three of them were hospitalised.
Valley fever is caused by a fungus, coccidioides, which thrives in hot and dry climates. With climate change, the number of cases of Valley fever has been increasing in California. The health department in a statement said, “Preliminary Valley fever case reports have been particularly high in 2023 and 2024, which is possibly linked to heavy winter rains in 2022-2023 following years of drought.”
The number of infections in California annually increased from fewer than 1,000 in 2000 to more than 9,000 in 2019. According to a recent report from the state health department, there have been 5,370 suspected or confirmed cases so far this year.
What Is Valley Fever?
It is a fungal infection caused by coccidioides. It can cause signs and symptoms such as a fever, cough and tiredness. There are two coccidioides fungi species that cause valley fever. These fungi are usually found in soil in specific regions. The fungi’s spores can be stirred into the air by anything that disrupts the soil, such as farming, construction and wind.
People can then breathe the fungi into their lungs. The fungi can cause valley fever, also known as acute coccidioidomycosis. Mild cases of valley fever usually resolve on their own. In severe cases, doctors treat the infection with antifungal medications.
Symptoms Of Valley Fever
Valley fever is the initial form of coccidioidomycosis infection. This initial, acute illness can develop into a more serious disease, including chronic and disseminated coccidioidomycosis, according to says Mayo Clinic.
Here, take a look at some of the symptoms of acute coccidioidomycosis, which is known as valley fever.
- Fever
- Cough
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Joint aches and muscle soreness
- Red, spotty rash, mainly on the lower legs but sometimes on the chest, arms and back
Chronic coccidioidomycosis
Here, take a look at some of the symptoms of chronic coccidioidomycosis
- Low-grade fever
- Weight loss
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Blood-tinged sputum (matter discharged during coughing)
- Nodules in the lungs.
Disseminated coccidioidomycosis
This is the most serious form of the disease and it is rare. It happens when the infection spreads beyond the lungs to other parts of the body. Here, take a look at the signs and symptoms of disseminated coccidioidomycosis.
- Nodules, ulcers and skin lesions that are more serious than the rash that sometimes occurs with initial infection
- Painful lesions in the skull, spine or other bones
- Painful, swollen joints, especially in the knees or ankles
- Meningitis — an infection of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Preventive Measures Of Valley Fever
Here, take a look at some of preventive measures of valley fever since there is no vaccine that can help prevent the fungal infection.
- Wear a mask
- Avoid very dusty areas, such as construction sites
- Stay inside during dust storms
- Wet the soil before digging in it or avoid the soil if you’re at higher risk of infection
- Keep doors and windows tightly closed
- Clean skin injuries with soap and water.
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