Valley Fever Cases May Rise in San Joaquin Valley Amid Summer Agriculture and Dusty Conditions
• The Fresno County Department of Public Health has issued guidelines to mitigate exposure to Valley Fever, a respiratory illness caused by inhaling spores of the Coccidioides fungus.
• This fungus thrives in the soil of the San Joaquin Valley and other parts of the southwestern U.S.
• Activities such as agricultural work, digging, and high winds can disturb the soil, releasing spores into the air.
Why It's Important?
Residents and workers in the San Joaquin Valley, particularly in western Fresno County and Kern County, are at heightened risk of contracting Valley Fever. The illness can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, and fatigue, and in severe cases, it may lead to long-term respiratory issues. Outdoor workers, such as those in agriculture and construction, face the greatest exposure risk due to frequent contact with disturbed soil. Pets and animals are also susceptible to the disease. The risk is exacerbated during dry and windy conditions, which can carry spores over long distances.
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