What you need to know
- California health officials expect the wet weather of the past winter to increase the risk of contracting valley fever.
- Valley fever is caused by inhaling a fungus found in dust. Symptoms include cough, fever, chest pain, body aches and fatigue.
- Officials are advising the public to be aware of symptoms and avoid exposure to dusty air.
Public health officials are warning the public that there is an increased risk of a California-wide epidemic of Valley fever this summer and fall.
According to the California Department of Public Health, valley feverAlso known as coccidioidomycosis or “coccidia,” this infection usually infects the lungs and causes long-lasting respiratory illness, including cough, fever, chest pain, body aches, and malaise.
For some people, the symptoms become so severe that they have to miss work, school, or other normal activities.
Valley fever is caused by inhaling fungal spores that grow in dust and soil. However, the fungus can spread into the air during the rainy season.
CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Thomas Aragon said: “California’s dry conditions, combined with the heavy rains of the recent winter, could lead to an increase in Valley Fever cases in the coming months.”
research Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley and CDPH found that a drought followed by a season of heavy rains increased infections with the fungus that causes valley fever.
As Southern California has historically experienced wetter winters, experts and CDPH officials urged the public to exercise caution and learn how to distinguish this disease from other respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19. ing.
According to CDPH, symptoms can last for a month or longer, and laboratory tests are required to determine Valley fever or another illness.
If you test negative for COVID-19 but have respiratory symptoms that persist for more than a week, authorities advise you to consult your doctor and ask if your symptoms may be caused by Valley fever. there is
“To protect yourself and your family, knowing the symptoms of valley fever can help detect it early. You should talk to your health care provider about Valley fever,” said Dr. Thomas Aragon.
Valley fever has the highest rates in the Central Valley and Central Coast regions, including Kern, Kings, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Tulea, Madera, and Monterey counties. But in recent years, officials have seen an increase in Valley fever cases in other parts of the state, including the northern San Joaquin Valley and southern California.
Officials recommend the following tips to reduce your exposure to Valley fever:
- Avoid outdoor dust where valley fever occurs General.
- Stay indoors and close windows and doors when it’s windy outside and the air is dusty.
- Moisten the soil or soil before digging to prevent dust from being lifted into the air.
- Consider wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator if exposure to outdoor dusty air is required in these areas.
