California health officials have issued a warning about a potential surge in valley fever cases this year. The concern follows the identification of several cases of the fungal infection among attendees of a recent outdoor music festival near Bakersfield. Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection caused by the Coccidioides fungus found in soil. It’s not contagious, but people contract it by breathing in fungal spores, leading to symptoms such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms can include night sweats, muscle aches, and a rash on the upper body or legs.
While most people recover fully, around 5% to 10% develop long-term lung problems, and in about 1%, the infection spreads beyond the lungs, affecting the skin, bones, joints, or brain, potentially leading to fatal complications. Fortunately, valley fever can be treated with antifungal drugs.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is raising awareness about the increased risk of valley fever this year. Cases are typically reported in the summer, prompting the department to alert the public and healthcare providers. The dry conditions in California, coupled with heavy winter rains, could contribute to an increase in cases in the coming months, according to Dr. Tomás Aragón, director of the CDPH. He advises individuals with persistent cough and fatigue to consult a healthcare provider about valley fever, especially if they’ve been outdoors in dusty areas.
The CDPH recently identified five valley fever cases among individuals who attended the Lightning in a Bottle music festival in Kern County, held in mid-May. Three of the attendees required hospitalization. The health department is investigating the outbreak and encouraging festival attendees experiencing respiratory symptoms lasting over a week to seek medical attention, mentioning their attendance at the festival and travel to Kern County.
The CDPH also urges individuals who were at the festival to complete a survey on their website to assist with the investigation. Symptoms of valley fever typically appear one to three weeks after exposure, lasting weeks to months, or even longer in severe cases. Most cases in the US are reported in Arizona and California, with an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 cases nationwide annually. Of those, about 200 are fatal. California typically reports 7,000 to 9,000 cases per year, but as of June, 5,370 cases have already been reported, surpassing the number reported during the same period in 2023, which was 3,183.
The CDPH emphasizes that valley fever is on the rise in California, especially in 2023 and 2024, with cases particularly high in the San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast areas. The department recommends simple precautions to reduce the risk of contracting valley fever, particularly in areas with high rates of the disease. When it’s windy and dusty, it’s advised to stay indoors, keeping windows and doors closed. Before digging in the soil, wet it down to minimize dust. When necessary to be outdoors in dusty areas, consider wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator mask.
This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about your health, please consult a healthcare professional.
