California is facing a concerning trend as valley fever cases are on track to break records for the second consecutive year. Public health officials attribute this surge to the increasingly long and dry summers the state has been experiencing.

The California Department of Public Health reports that more than 4,000 cases of valley fever have been reported statewide between January and April. this represents a significant increase compared to the same period in previous years, with over 3,000 more cases than in 2024 and 2,000 more than in 2023.

Last year saw a record-breaking 12,605 cases, surpassing the more than 9,000 cases recorded in 2023.

valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection caused by inhaling spores of the coccidioides fungus, which thrives in dry soil, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

These fungal spores are released into the air when the soil is disturbed by wind, construction, or other activities.

The fungus is commonly found in the Pacific Northwest and southwest United States, as well as parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America.

In Kern County last year, the “Lightning in a Bottle” music festival became a hotspot for the disease, with 19 attendees reporting valley fever infections. several individuals experienced severe symptoms, including pneumonia-like conditions, rashes, headaches, and exhaustion.

While valley fever cases typically increase in late summer and decline in winter, state public health officials note that the transmission season is starting earlier and lasting longer.

Researchers at UC Berkeley suggest that climate change, with its drier spring and fall seasons and heavier winter rains, is contributing to prolonged periods of high-risk exposure to valley fever.

Valley fever is often misdiagnosed due to its symptoms (cough, fever, and chest pains) being similar to those of other infectious diseases, making accurate case reporting challenging.

Even though the current number of cases suggests a potential new record,public health officials caution that it is indeed still too early in the year to make a definitive prediction.

Here are some precautions to help residents, hikers, and tourists in counties with high reported valley fever cases protect themselves this summer.

Protecting Yourself from Valley Fever

Public health officials in Fresno County, which includes a portion of the John Muir Trail, offer the following advice for hikers:

• Stay on well-maintained trails and avoid activities that stir up dust, such as digging or biking off-path.
• Consider wearing a properly fitted N95 mask when hiking in dusty or dry conditions.
• avoid hiking on windy days or promptly after disturbances that may increase dust in the air.
• Thoroughly clean any skin wounds with soap and water,especially if they have been exposed to soil or dust.

The CDC recommends the following for anyone living, working, or traveling in areas where the valley fever fungus grows:

• Stay indoors when it’s windy and the air is dusty.
• keep windows and doors closed on windy days to prevent dust and spores from entering your home.
• When driving through dusty areas, keep car windows closed and use recirculating air, if possible.
• Wet down soil and dirt before digging to prevent dust from rising into the air.
• Consider wearing a properly fitted N95 mask if you must be outdoors in dusty air in these areas.

“valley fever is frequently enough misdiagnosed as the symptoms (cough,fever and chest pains) are similar to other infectious diseases…”

Who is at risk?

according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, individuals who spend significant time outdoors and are exposed to dirt and dust in areas where valley fever is common are more likely to contract the disease. This includes construction workers, farmers, military personnel, and archaeologists.

People who live and work near dry and dusty areas are also at risk of exposure.

individuals with an increased risk of contracting the disease include:

• Adults 60 years and older.
• Those with diabetes or health conditions that weaken the immune system, such as cancer, HIV, autoimmune illnesses, organ transplant recipients, or those undergoing chemotherapy or steroid treatment.
• Pregnant women, especially those in the later stages of pregnancy.
• Children 5 years old and younger.
• Individuals of Black, Latino, Native American, or Filipino descent, even though the reasons for this increased susceptibility are not fully understood.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The fungus infects the lungs and can cause respiratory symptoms, including:

• Cough
• Fever
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Difficulty breathing
• Muscle or joint pain
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Rash

While valley fever shares symptoms with other respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, it typically takes one to three weeks for symptoms to develop and can last for a month or longer.

Some individuals with valley fever may experience only mild symptoms that resolve within a few weeks, requiring no treatment, according to Los Angeles County public health officials.

Though, others may experience symptoms lasting a month or longer and may require treatment based on their doctor’s recommendations.

In rare, severe cases, the disease can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body.

Diagnosis is typically made through a blood test.

Public health officials recommend consulting a doctor if you test negative for COVID-19 but experience respiratory symptoms lasting more than a week, especially if you live in or have recently traveled to an area where valley fever is common.

Treatment for valley fever varies depending on the severity of the disease and is often managed with antifungal medications.