Understanding Valley Fever in Arizona: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Valley fever, a fungal infection common in Arizona's arid climate, has seen 7,621 confirmed and probable cases this year.Photo byImage: Tysonomo Multimedia

PHOENIX – Valley fever, also known as "Cocci," is a fungal infection prevalent in Arizona due to the arid desert climate that supports the growth of the Coccidioides fungus.

The spores of this fungus are found in the soil, especially in southern Arizona, including Phoenix and Tucson.

In 2022, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) reported 9,515 cases of Valley fever at a rate of 128.4 per 100,000 population.

Last year, ADHS reported a total of 11,008 cases.

According to recent ADHS data, there are already 7,621 confirmed and probable cases from Dec. 31, 2023, to July 13, 2024, with 5,487 of those cases in Maricopa County alone.

What is Valley Fever?

Valley fever is caused by inhaling Coccidioides spores, which can become airborne through soil-disturbing activities like farming and wind.

Construction workers and others who work outdoors are at risk for Valley fever, especially if they dig or disturb soil, operate heavy machinery, or work under windy conditions.

Symptoms of Valley Fever

Symptoms typically appear one to three weeks after exposure and can range from mild to severe, resembling flu-like symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic:

• Fever
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Joint aches and muscle soreness
• Red, spotty rash, mainly on the lower legs

Most mild cases resolve on their own, but severe cases may require antifungal treatment. Some people may discover the infection through a positive skin or blood test or a chest X-ray showing lung nodules.

If the initial infection doesn’t fully resolve, it can lead to chronic pneumonia, particularly in those with weakened immune systems, according to the National Library of Medicine

Symptoms include:

• Low-grade fever
• Weight loss
• Persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Blood-streaked mucus
• Lung nodules

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical care if you develop the signs and symptoms of Valley fever, especially if you are over 60, have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, have recently traveled to an area where Valley fever is common, or have symptoms that are not improving.

Prevention Tips

There is no vaccine for Valley fever. Moreover, Valley fever is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person like the flu.

To reduce the risk of infection:

• Wear a mask in dusty areas.
• Avoid very dusty areas such as construction sites.
• Stay indoors during dust storms.
• Wet the soil before digging.
• Keep doors and windows closed to minimize dust indoors.
• Clean skin injuries with soap and water.

For more information on Valley fever, visit the ADHS Valley fever website, the Valley Fever Center for Excellence (VFCE) website, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Valley fever website.

References

Mayo Clinic
National Library of Medicine