Cases of Valley Fever increase to levels registered in the state of the West Coast, warning health officials

Cases of Valley Fever are an increase in California, according to health officials.

At the end of July, there were 6,761 confirmed cases, which means that if this rhythm continues, the total of 2025 numbers will probably exceed 12,595 cases observed in 2024.

The total of last year was a new record for the State, where the average has been 7,000 to 9,000 cases annually between 2016 and 2024, according to data from the California Public Health Department (CDPH).

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It is likely that the case count will increase due to reporting delays.

“Valley Fover is a serious illness that is here to remain in California,” said Erica Pan, director of the State Public Health Department, in a statement.

The name of the San Joaquín Valley in the name of San Joaquín in California, the Valley Fever is an infection caused by breathing in the spores of a fungus called coccidoidoides, which originates in the ground.

“Valley fever is a serious illness that is here to stay in California.”

South Arizona and South California have the highest volume of cases, by disease control and prevention centers (CDC), but the disease also prevails in New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Texas and parts of the Washington state.

Research has shown that drought periods followed by precipitation can promote the growth of the fever fungus of the valley, sending spores in the air that people breathe.

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Dr. George Thompson, professor of UC Davis Health and co -director of the Valley fever center in Sacramento, previously spoke with News Digital about the increase in cases.

“We have seen a gradual increase in cases in the last five years, and a greater number of patients are reaching our clinic for diagnosis and treatment,” he said at that time.

Risks and symptoms

While geographical location increases the general risk of contracting the valley fever, CDC points out that certain groups are more vulnerable.

These include 60 -year -old and older people, those who have weakened immune systems as a result of certain medical diseases, pregnant women, People with diabetesand people who are black or the Philippines.

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The symptoms of valley fever can vary in type and gravity, but tend to imitate those observed in patients with COVID-19, experts say.

“Some [people] You can have fever, chills or fatigue, or simply feel badly bad, “said Thompson from UC Davis Health.

However, he said that he sees some serious cases in which patients experience respiratory disease and difficulty breathing.

Other symptoms may include extreme fatigue, bone pain or joint, night sweat, fever, chest pain, severe headaches, weight loss and skin rashes, according to the CDPH.

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Thompson estimated that for 1% to 3% of people, the infection will leave the lungs and travel to other parts of the body, which can meningitis.

It is possible that people who experience a serious disease for valley fever can be treated in a hospital and may need continuous medical care for months or years, health officials warned.

Although it is rare, people outside high -risk groups may experience serious effects of valley fever.

One of them is Rob Purdie de California, who contracted the Valley fever in 2012 when he was 38 years old. The infection led meningitis, which caused severe headaches and a double vision, previously told News Digital.

“Some [people] You can have fever, chills or fatigue, or simply feel bad. “

The fungus spores had spread from their lungs to their brain and nervous system, a potentially fatal condition.

More than a decade later, Purdie lives with the persistent effects of disseminated coccididal meningitis caused by valley fever.

Prevention strategies

Since the fungus that causes fever of the valley lives on the ground, the infection is often “related to the hobby,” Thompson said. He said that he sees many cases among people who are in archeology or that they spend a lot of time outdoors.

For those in high -risk groups, the doctor recommends avoiding construction sites or areas where the soil is often agitated in the air.

People can also use A N95 respirator, A type of high quality mask, to minimize exposure in dusty areas.

Diagnosis and treatment

Not all who acquire a valley fever require medical treatment, although some may benefit from antimicotic medications.

Those who have serious symptoms, take immunocompromised medications, have cancer, have HIV, are pregnant or have had an organ transplant that will need antifungals.

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A blood analysis sent to a laboratory can confirm a current or prior infection of the valley fever, and a chest x -ray or a computerized tomography can detect cases of pneumonia, according to CDC.

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Any person who has experienced cough, fever, fatigue or other symptoms of valley fever for more than seven to 10 days should see a doctor, especially if he has been on land or dust in areas where the fungus prevails.