Valley Fever

Valley Fever Latest News

A new study suggests dogs could play a surprising role in public health by helping detect the early spread of Valley fever.

About Valley Fever

• Valley fever, also known as acute coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection caused by coccidioides organisms. 
• Two coccidioides fungi species cause valley fever. These fungi are commonly found in soil in specific regions. 
• They are found in the Pacific Northwest and southwestern United States, and parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Valley Fever Transmission

• 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. 
• Pets can also become infected. 
• Valley fever does not spread from person to person or between people and animals.
• The infection starts in the lungs. It commonly affects people over 60 years of age.

Valley Fever Symptoms

• Most people with an infection by this fungus never have symptoms. 
• Others may have cold- or flu-like symptoms or symptoms of pneumonia. 
• If symptoms occur, they typically start 5 to 21 days after exposure to the fungus.
• Rarely, the infection spreads from the lungs through the bloodstream to involve the skin, bones, joints, lymph nodes, and central nervous system or other organs. This spread is called disseminated coccidioidomycosis.

Valley Fever Treatment

• Mild cases of valley fever usually resolve on their own. 
• In more-severe cases, doctors treat the infection with antifungal medications.
• Sometimes surgery is needed to remove the infected part of the lung (for chronic or severe disease).

Source: TOI