Valley Fever in California: Risk, Symptoms & Prevention

Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a respiratory illness caused by the fungus Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. It is endemic to the Sonoran Desert region of the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico. In California, the majority of cases occur in the southern and central parts of the state, including the San Joaquin Valley and the Los Angeles basin.

The incidence of valley fever has been increasing in California over the past few decades. In 2019, there were over 13,000 reported cases of valley fever in the state, with a hospitalization rate of approximately 20%. The majority of hospitalized patients had underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, or immunosuppression.

The most common symptoms of valley fever include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and muscle aches. In some cases, valley fever can lead to more serious complications, such as pneumonia, meningitis, or disseminated coccidioidomycosis, which can be fatal.

Valley fever is diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms, laboratory findings, and imaging studies. Treatment for valley fever typically involves antifungal medications and supportive care.