Valley Fever Cases on the Rise in California
Valley fever cases in California have surged this year, surpassing the total number of cases recorded in all of 2023. The state has already confirmed 11,076 cases of valley fever by the end of November, marking a 20% increase from the previous year and a nearly 47% jump from 2022.
What is Valley Fever and How is it Spread?
Valley fever is caused by inhaling spores of coccidioides, a fungal pathogen that thrives in dry and dusty regions of California. The fungus is released when the dry soil it grows in is disturbed, making areas like Kern County hotspots for the disease. Kern County alone has reported 3,768 cases of valley fever this year, accounting for over a third of all cases statewide.
Factors Contributing to the Rise in Cases
Experts attribute the increase in valley fever cases to a variety of factors, including wet winters following a historic drought, climate change, shifting demographics, and increased construction in previously uninhabited areas. Some counties have seen case numbers double or even triple compared to the previous year, with Monterey County experiencing the largest jump in cases.
Personal Story: A Brush with Valley Fever
Among those affected by valley fever is San Francisco artist Nora Bruhn, who initially mistook her symptoms for a cold after attending a music festival in Kern County. It wasn’t until her brother, an emergency room physician, suggested she might have valley fever that she was diagnosed and started treatment. Nora’s experience highlights the importance of early detection and awareness of the disease’s symptoms to prevent serious complications.
As valley fever continues to spread across California and neighboring states, health officials urge the public to take precautions when working or traveling in dusty environments. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing severe illness or death from this fungal infection. Stay informed and stay safe.
