Respiratory Disease Is On The Rise In CA: What You Need To Know

CALIFORNIA — Valley fever is on the rise in California, not just in the central part of the state, but to the north and south as well, according to officials.

The fungal infection is typically reported in the Central Valley and Central Coast regions but cases have been increasing in the northern Central Valley and Southern California, according to the state health department. Infections are most common in late summer and fall, with August designated as Valley Fever Awareness Month.

"We're preparing for another possible increase in Valley fever cases in the coming months, and we want Californians to know the signs and symptoms to detect it early," Dr. Tomás Aragón, director of the California Department of Public Health and state public health officer, said in a news release.

"If you have a lingering cough and fatigue, please talk to a doctor about Valley fever, especially if you've been outdoors in dusty air in the Central Valley or Central Coast regions."

There were over 9,000 cases reported statewide in 2023, and 6,280 cases — suspect, probable and confirmed — were reported this year as of July 31, 2024, with the year's historically most active time for infections still to come, according to the department. While more than 2,000 of the 2024 cases so far have been in central Kern County, nearly 1,000 were in Los Angeles County. The Bay Area counties of Alameda, Santa Clara and San Francisco each had about 60 cases. Contra Costa County had 82.

In late May, 20,000 people attended the Lightning in a Bottle music festival in Kern County. Nineteen people associated with the festival had contracted lab-confirmed Valley fever as of Aug. 21, eight of whom were hospitalized.

People can get Valley fever — also known as coccidioidomycosis — by breathing dust containing the Valley fever fungus, according to the department, which said the illness is not contagious.

Symptoms take one to three weeks to develop, can last a month or more, and include cough, chest pain, fatigue and headache. Those over 60, who are pregnant, or who have diabetes or a condition that weakens the immune system have an increased risk of severe illness, as do people who are Black or Filipino. In rare cases, Valley fever can be fatal.

Possible causes for the spike in cases include winter rains after several years of drought, an increase in activites that disturb soil — such as construction — in high-risk areas and greater disease recognition, according to the department.

To avoid Valley fever, stay inside when it's windy and dusty, keep car windows closed, wet soil before digging, and wear an N95 mask when in dusty air.

For more information, visit bit.ly/4g6dPrP.