Valley fever cases spike to record levels in West Coast state, health officials warn

Cases of Valley fever are spiking in California according to wellness authorities As of the end of July there were cases certified which means if this pace continues the total numbers will likely exceed the cases seen in Last year s total was a new record for the state where the average has been to cases annually between and per input from the California Department of Populace Medical CDPH MOSQUITO-BORNE DENGUE FEVER CASES SURGE AT POPULAR US VACATION DESTINATIONThe scenario count is likely to increase due to delays in reporting Valley fever is a serious illness that s here to stay in California announced Erica Pan director of the state general wellbeing department in a announcement Named after the San Joaquin Valley in California Valley fever is an infection caused by breathing in the spores of a fungus called Coccidioides which originates in the soil Southern Arizona and Southern California have the highest volume of cases per the Centers of Illness Control and Prevention CDC but the condition is also prevalent in New Mexico Nevada Utah Texas and parts of Washington State Research has shown that periods of drought followed by precipitation can promote development of the Valley fever fungus sending spores into the air that people breathe in MORE CASES OF DEADLY FLESH-EATING BACTERIAL INFECTION IN POPULAR VACATION DESTINATIONDr George Thompson a professor at UC Davis Wellness and co-director of the Center for Valley fever in Sacramento previously spoke with Fox News Digital about the ramp-up in cases We have seen a gradual increase in cases over the last five years and a greater number of patients are coming into our clinic for identification and remedy he announced at the time While geographic location heightens the overall menace of contracting Valley fever the CDC notes that certain groups are more vulnerable These include people years of age and older those who have weakened immune systems as a aftermath of certain diseases or anatomical conditions pregnant women people with diabetes and people who are Black or Filipino COULD CHIKUNGUNYA VIRUS SPREAD TO US HERE'S WHAT AMERICANS SHOULD KNOWSymptoms of Valley fever can vary in type and severity but they tend to mimic those seen in patients with COVID- experts say Selected people may have a fever chills or fatigue or just feel generally unwell Thompson of UC Davis Healthcare announced However he announced he does see particular severe cases where patients experience respiratory illness and difficulty breathing Other signs may include extreme fatigue bone or joint pain night sweats fever chest pain severe headaches weight loss and skin rashes according to the CDPH Thompson estimated that for to of people the infection will leave the lungs and journey to other parts of the body which can lead to meningitis People who experience severe Valley fever illness may need to be treated in a hospital and may need ongoing anatomical care for months or years wellbeing administrators cautioned Although it s rare people outside the high-risk groups can experience severe effects from Valley fever One of those is Rob Purdie from California who contracted Valley fever in when he was The infection led to meningitis which caused severe headaches and double vision he previously informed Fox News Digital The spores of the fungus had spread from his lungs to his brain and nervous system a potentially fatal condition More than a decade later Purdie lives with the lingering effects of disseminated coccidioidal meningitis caused by Valley fever Since the fungus that causes Valley fever lives in the soil infection is often hobby-related Thompson stated He mentioned he sees numerous cases among people who are in archeology or who spend a lot of time outdoors For those in high-risk groups the medical expert recommends avoiding construction sites or areas where soil is often stirred up into the air People can also wear an N respirator a type of high-quality mask to minimize exposure in dusty areas Not everyone who acquires Valley fever requires anatomical cure although a few may benefit from antifungal medications Those who have severe markers take immunocompromising medications have cancer have HIV are pregnant or have had an organ transplant are likely to need antifungals CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR SOUNDNESS NEWSLETTERA blood test sent to a lab can confirm a current or prior infection of Valley fever and a chest X-ray or CT scan can detect cases of pneumonia according to the CDC For more Vitality articles visit www foxnews com healthAnyone who has experienced cough fever fatigue or other Valley fever reactions for more than seven to days should see a clinician especially if they have been around dirt or dust in areas where the fungus is prevalent