Valley Fever affects southwestern U.S., with higher risk for African American, Filipino, and immunocompromised patients. Early diagnosis crucial.
Valley Fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection most commonly identified in the southwestern United States, specifically California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. About 20,000 people a year catch Valley Fever, which is typically caused by the inhalation of fungal spores.
In this article, we will list and discuss the symptoms as well as provide a detailed overview of the fungal infection. Early recognition and diagnosis are imperative when it comes to Valley Fever, as these limit the chance the disease could spread to the rest of the body or have long-lasting effects.
Valley Fever is a fungal infection, typically caused by a person inhaling spores from two coccidioides fungi species: Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. This is usually caused by events like construction, dust storms, wind, or farming.
“Sometimes these spores get in the air, get in the lungs, and start to cause disease because the body attempts to get rid of them,” said Michael LeNoir, MD, an allergist and pediatrician in California. “Usually it stays in the lungs, but the body’s reaction gives you the symptoms.”
The most common regions affected by Valley Fever are states in the southwestern United States, including California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. These fungi can be found in parts of Mexico as well as Central and South America.
Valley Fever was named after the San Joaquin Valley, California, where the infection was first discovered and is most likely to be found.
Typical Valley Fever symptoms include flu-like signs, including:
Individuals can experience Valley Fever respiratory symptoms, including shortness of breath and chest pain. Occasionally, some affected individuals may experience a skin rash.
Besides causing flu-like symptoms, Valley Fever can also manifest on the skin. This could include a rash, specifically erythema nodosum (EN) or erythema multiforme (EM). While EN involves tender, red bumps underneath the skin’s surface, EM is characterized by target-like lesions with a central dark area. Along with rashes, individuals may also experience joint pain, sometimes referred to as “desert rheumatism.”
Valley Fever can also cause nodules, known as coccidioidal nodules, which are patches of infection in the lungs, usually caused by pneumonia.
Disseminated Valley Fever, also known as disseminated coccidioidomycosis, is when the fungal infection has spread from the lungs to other parts of the body. This is a rare instance that only happens with about 1% of Valley Fever cases.
The fungi can spread to areas such as the skin, bones, liver, brain, heart, and meninges, which are membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms of disseminated Valley Fever include:
Individuals with weakened immune systems, as well as those who are older, diabetic, or pregnant, are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from Valley Fever.
Specific ethnicities, including those of African American or Filipino descent, are more susceptible to Valley Fever complications.
According to Dr. LeNoir, farmers are also at high risk due to the proximity of crops and dry areas.
In order to properly treat coccidioidomycosis, it is important that individuals of these groups stay alert for early diagnosis and treatment to best avoid further infection.
In order to diagnose coccidioidomycosis, medical providers will most likely request these diagnostic methods.
If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent or severe symptoms, it is important to seek medical help immediately. Untreated coccidioidomycosis can cause severe complications, like the fungus spreading to the brain or other organs
If you are suffering from a persistent fever, cough, rash, or shortness of breath, it is time to see a doctor.
If you require treatment for coccidioidomycosis, there are several options available to you. While most infections resolve on their own, some individuals may need:
In order to prevent this type of infection, make sure to limit your exposure to risk factors such as dust and dirt, specifically in the high-risk areas.
“It’s really hard,” said Dr. LeNoir. “I think the only real way is to mask up.”
Wearing a mask is a primary preventative option. As Dr. LeNoir says, there is no immunization for coccidioidomycosis.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of the infection and think you might be affected, it’s important to seek out proper medical management.
The length of the symptoms depends on the severity of the infection. Symptoms of mild cases will dissipate within a few weeks to a few months. Moderate case symptoms, which may require antifungal treatment, can last between three to six months.
Yes, but it is rare. While most people who contract Valley Fever from Coccidioides immitis are then immune to the infection, some may still develop it again over time. Reinfection is typically less severe.
No, Valley Fever is not contagious.
Most individuals recover from Valley Fever without any long-term issues. However, some can experience health problems such as persistent respiratory symptoms, chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis, or disseminated Valley Fever.
While the real number is likely to be higher due to cases that go unreported or undiagnosed, about 10,000 to 20,000 cases of Valley Fever occur in the U.S. every year.
If you live in one of the high-risk areas and are experiencing common symptoms such as fatigue, coughing, night sweats, or a red rash, it is paramount that you seek out medical attention.
If you are unsure of your symptoms, consult with your healthcare provider for accurate information, early diagnosis, and treatment.
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