California Valley Fever -cases can break the record of 2024, say health officials
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According to health officials, there are cases of valley in California in California.
From the end of July, 6,761 cases were confirmed – which means that if this pace continues, the total figures of 2025 will probably exceed 12,595 cases that will be seen in 2024.
The total of last year was a new record for the State, where the average was 7,000 to 9,000 cases annually between 2016 and 2024, per data from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
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The number of case is likely to increase due to delays in reporting.
“Valley Fever is a serious disease that stays here in California,” said Erica Pan, director of the Public Health department, in a statement.
According to health officials, there are cases of valley in California in California. (Istock)
Named after the San Joaquin valley in California, Valley Fever is an infection caused by inhaling the traces of a fungus called Coccidioides, which comes in the ground.
“Valley Fever is a serious disease that is here to stay in California.”
Zuidarizona and South California have the highest volume of cases, according to the centers of disease control and prevention (CDC) -but the disease also occurs in New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Texas and parts of the state of Washington.
Research has shown that periods of drought Followed by precipitation, the growth of the valley fever fungus can promote and steer traces in the air that breathe in people.
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Dr. George Thompson, professor at the UC Davis Health and co-director of the Center for Valley Fever in Sacramento, previously spoke with Fox News Digital about the disaster-up in cases.
“We have seen a gradual increase in cases in the last five years, and a larger number of patients are coming to our clinic for diagnosis and treatment,” he said at the time.
Risks and symptoms
Although the geographical location increases the total risk of connecting valley fever, the CDC notes that certain groups are more vulnerable.
These include people aged 60 and older, people who have weakened the immune system as a result of certain diseases or medical conditions, pregnant women, People with diabetesAnd people who are black or Filipin.
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Symptoms of valley can vary in type and severity, but they tend to imitate those who are seen in patients with COVID-19, say experts.
“Some [people] Can have fever, chills or fatigue, or simply feel unwell in general, “said Thompson of UC Davis Health.
Named after the San Joaquin valley in California, Valley Fever is an infection caused by inhaling the traces of a fungus called Coccidioides, which comes in the ground. (Istock)
However, he said he sees some serious cases in which patients experience breathing disease And difficulty with breathing.
Other symptoms can be extreme fatigue, bone or joint pain, night knowledge, fever, chest pain, severe headache, weight loss and rash, according to the CDPH.
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Thompson estimated that 1% to 3% of people will leave the infection the lungs and travel to other parts of the body, which is possible lead to meningitis.
People who experience a serious valley fever may have to be treated in a hospital and need possible for months or years of continuous medical care, warned health officials.
Because the fungus that Valley Fever causes in the soil, infection is often ‘hobby -related’, an expert said. He said he sees many cases in people who are in archeology or who spend a lot of time outdoors. (Istock)
Although it is rare, people outside the risky groups can experience serious effects of valley fever.
One is Rob Purdie from California, who sustained Valley Fever in 2012 when he was 38. The infection led to meningitis, which caused serious headaches and double vision, he previously told Fox News Digital.
“Some [people] Can have fever, chills or fatigue, or simply feel unwell. “
The traces of the fungus had spread from his lungs to his brain and nervous system, a potentially fatal state.
More than ten years later, Purdie lives with the persistent effects of scattered coccidioid meningitis caused by valley.
Prevention strategies
Because the fungus that Valley Fever causes in the soil, infection is often ‘hobby -related’, Thompson said. He said he sees many cases in people who are in archeology or who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Anyone who has experienced fever, fever, fatigue or other symptoms of the valley for more than seven to 10 days, should visit a doctor. (Istock)
For those in risk -rolling groups, the doctor recommends avoiding construction sites or areas where the soil is often stirred in the air.
People can also wear an N95 aspirator, A sort of high -quality mask to minimize exposure in dusty areas.
Diagnosis and treatment
Not everyone who acquires valley fever requires medical treatment, although some can benefit from antifungal agents.
Those who have serious symptoms, take immunocomromizing drugs, have cancer, have HIV, be pregnant or have had an organ transplantation, probably need antifungal agents.
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A blood test that is sent to a laboratory can confirm a current or prior infection of valley fever and an X-ray of the breast or CT can detect cases of pneumonia according to the CDC.
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Anyone who has experienced cough, fever, fatigue or other valley gate symptoms for more than seven to 10 days, should visit a doctor, especially if they have been around dirt or dust in areas where the fungus is common.
