BTN News: California is facing a big problem with Valley Fever this year. Valley Fever is a disease caused by a fungus that people breathe in from the soil. This year, over 5,300 cases have been reported by June, which is 63% more than last year. This makes 2024 a very tough year for dealing with this disease. Valley Fever mostly affects the lungs. Many cases are mild and get better on their own, but some are serious and need hospital treatment. About 80 people in California die from Valley Fever each year. Some cases can last for months and need special medicine to treat.
Earlier this week, the California Department of Public Health reported that some people got Valley Fever after going to an outdoor music festival at Buena Vista Lake in Kern County. Three people were so sick they had to go to the hospital. Health officials are telling anyone who went to the Lightning in a Bottle festival and feels sick to see a doctor. Most Valley Fever cases usually happen in Kern County, but many are also reported in Los Angeles, Fresno, and the Central Coast.
The Fungus Behind Valley Fever
Valley Fever is caused by a fungus called Coccidioides. People can breathe in the spores of this fungus when the soil is disturbed by activities like farming, construction, or even strong winds. Sometimes, the infection can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body like the heart and brain. Valley Fever is most common in hot and dry places like the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. In California, most cases happen in the San Joaquin Valley, but the spores can travel far, so people outside the area can also be at risk.
Rising Cases in California
Valley Fever cases in California have tripled in the last ten years. In 2014, just over 2,300 people were diagnosed with Valley Fever. By 2023, this number had increased to more than 9,000. In the first half of 2024 alone, 5,370 cases have been reported. About one-third of these cases are in Kern County. Experts think this increase is because there is more construction in the San Joaquin Valley. Building more roads, solar panels, and houses disturbs the soil and releases more fungal spores into the air. Also, more doctors and patients know about the disease now, so more people are getting tested and diagnosed.
Symptoms Mimicking COVID-19
The symptoms of Valley Fever can look like those of COVID-19. People with Valley Fever might have a cough, fever, chest pain, headaches, and feel very tired. They might also get a rash and sweat a lot at night. These symptoms usually start one to three weeks after breathing in the spores and can last for a month or more. Because the symptoms are similar to COVID-19, health officials say people should get tested for COVID-19 first. If the test is negative, a blood test can show if they have Valley Fever. Unlike COVID-19, Valley Fever is not contagious.
The Role of Climate Change
Research shows that Valley Fever cases often increase during dry seasons after a wet period. This is called the “grow and blow” idea. The fungus grows when it is wet, and then the spores become airborne when it is dry. As the climate gets warmer, the southwestern United States is getting drier. This leads to more dust storms, which can carry the fungal spores. The Coccidioides fungus is very tough and can survive even during long dry spells.
Prevention and Protection
The best way to avoid Valley Fever is to stay away from dust. This means trying to stay indoors on windy days and wearing an N95 mask if you have to be outside. With more construction and farming in the San Joaquin Valley, there are more chances for the spores to spread. Knowing about the disease and taking steps to prevent it are very important.
In summary, California is dealing with a serious Valley Fever outbreak, with cases reaching new highs. The disease spreads because of environmental factors and activities that disturb the soil. Knowing the symptoms, getting medical help quickly, and taking steps to avoid the disease are key to managing this health issue. As the climate changes, keeping an eye on Valley Fever and finding ways to reduce its impact will be more important than ever.
