Valley Fever

Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection caused by inhaling spores of the Coccidioides fungus. This fungus lives in dry, dusty soil, particularly in certain regions such as the southwestern United States, parts of Mexico, and Central and South America. Infection occurs when fungal spores become airborne and are breathed into the lungs.

Many people exposed to the fungus develop mild or no symptoms, while others may experience respiratory illness. In some cases, the infection can become severe or spread beyond the lungs, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms

Symptoms of valley fever usually appear one to three weeks after exposure and may range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

• Fever and chills

• Cough, which may be dry or produce sputum

• Chest pain

• Fatigue or weakness

• Shortness of breath

• Headache

• Night sweats

• Muscle or joint aches

• Skin rash, sometimes appearing as red, painful nodules on the legs

Some individuals may have prolonged fatigue or lingering respiratory symptoms even after the initial infection resolves.

Causes

Valley fever is caused by inhalation of airborne spores from the Coccidioides fungus. These spores are released into the air when soil is disturbed by activities such as construction, farming, or strong winds.

Once inhaled, the spores can settle in the lungs and trigger an immune response, leading to infection. The condition is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the risk of developing valley fever or experiencing more severe illness:

• Living in or traveling to areas where the fungus is common

• Exposure to dusty environments or outdoor work such as construction or agriculture

• Weakened immune system due to illness or medications

• Pregnancy, particularly in the later stages

• Diabetes

• Older age

• Certain ethnic backgrounds associated with higher risk of severe disease

Complications

While many cases resolve on their own, valley fever can sometimes lead to complications:

• Chronic lung infection with persistent cough and chest pain

• Lung nodules or cavities

• Spread of infection to the skin, bones, joints, or brain

• Meningitis in severe cases

• Long-term fatigue affecting daily activities

Complications are more likely in individuals with weakened immune systems or untreated severe infections.

Prevention

There is no vaccine currently available to prevent valley fever, but certain measures can reduce the risk of exposure:

• Avoiding dusty areas in regions where the fungus is common

• Wearing masks when working in dusty environments

• Staying indoors during dust storms

• Wetting soil before digging or disturbing it

• Seeking medical care early if symptoms develop after exposure

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help reduce the risk of complications and support recovery.