Valley Fever
Valley Fever, otherwise known as Coccidioidomycosis or Cocci, is a disease caused by inhaling the spores of a fungus that grows in soil and dirt, called Coccidioides. The fungus becomes airborne when dirt is moved via digging, wind, or other activities that create dust. Once in the air, it can be inhaled by people or animals. This fungus is highly endemic (i.e., regularly occurring) to Arizona and primarily found in the central valley and central coast regions of California, including San Luis Obispo County.
Anyone can get Valley Fever, including healthy adults and children. People who live, work, or spend time outdoors near areas where dirt and dust are stirred up have a higher risk of getting Valley Fever. Most people, about 6 in 10, will not experience any symptoms at all when exposed to the fungus, and their bodies will naturally fight off the infection. If symptoms are present, the fungus usually infects the lungs and can cause respiratory symptoms. Common symptoms that may develop 1 to 3 weeks after breathing in the fungus include:
- cough
- fatigue
- fever
- night sweats
- chest pain
- muscle or joint pain
- tiredness
- rash
Even with symptoms, many people will recover on their own without medical intervention.
In rare cases, about 1 in 100 people will experience disseminated Valley Fever, which is when the fungus leaves the lungs and travels to other parts of the body. Individuals with severe or disseminated Valley Fever will most likely require hospitalization and need months to years of follow-up treatment. Disseminated Valley Fever can become a life-long illness requiring continuing treatment or even be fatal. Individuals at increased risk of developing severe Valley Fever include those:
- who are older (60+ years old)
- are pregnant
- have diabetes
- have conditions that weaken their immune system, such as cancer, autoimmune illnesses, HIV, and organ transplant recipients
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For those that do experience symptoms (about 4 in 10 people), the symptoms that may develop 1 to 3 weeks after breathing in the fungus include:
- cough
- fatigue
- fever
- night sweats
- chest pain
- muscle or joint pain
- tiredness
- difficulty breathing
- rash
- headache
In the rare case that severe symptoms of Valley Fever are present infections in the skin, bones, joints or brain may be observed. This can include symptoms such as skin lesions, bone or joint pain, or severe headaches.
Request a Valley Fever test from your healthcare provider to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment if needed
Anyone in SLO County that lives, works, plays or passes through areas where dirt and dust are stirred up are at risk of Valley Fever. The risk of exposure is the same for the central valley and central coast regions of California and other states like Arizona.
Individual risk can be influenced by many factors, including:
- Duration of time spent outdoors, or in dusty conditions
- Outdoor activities that involve working closely with dirt or soil including digging projects or landscaping
- Living or work near areas where dirt or soil are stirred up, such as construction or excavation sites
Most people, about 6 in 10, will not experience any symptoms at all when exposed to the fungus, and their bodies will naturally fight off the infection
- Stay inside and keep windows and doors closed when it’s windy outside and the air is dusty
- While driving in dusty areas keep the windows and doors closed and use recirculating air if available
- To reduce dust, cover over open dirt areas around the home with ground cover like grass, wood chips, or gravel
- Try to avoid dusty areas outside like construction or excavation sites. If you cannot avoid these dusty areas, consider wearing an N95 respirator, and take additional precautions outlined on the California Department of Public Health’s Valley Fever website.
If you experience symptoms for more than a couple weeks and suspect you have been exposed, talk to your healthcare provider and ask to be tested for Valley Fever.
No, Valley Fever is not contagious. This means that if a person becomes infected with Valley Fever, they cannot pass the disease on to anyone else.
Yes, pets including dogs and cats can get Valley Fever. Valley Fever in dogs is similar to Valley Fever in humans, in both how they are exposed and symptoms. If you’re concerned about your pet’s risk or think your pet has Valley Fever please talk to a veterinarian. For additional information, please visit CDPH’s Valley Fever Pets and Other Animals.
To report a case of Velley Fever, upload the electronic laboratory result to CalREDIE. If you are not currently enrolled as a provider, you may request portal account access through CalREDIE.
Using this preferred reporting form, cases may also be faxed to SLO County Public Health (805)-781-5543. As an alternative, the standard CMR form may also be used.