California Faces Potential Increase in Valley Fever Cases After Heavy Winter Rains
California health officials have issued a warning regarding the potential rise in valley fever cases as a result of this winter’s heavy rainfall. Valley fever is a respiratory disease caused by a fungus known as Coccidioides, which grows in soil across various parts of the state. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced in a press release that the increased growth of the Coccidioides fungus may have been triggered by the recent heavy rains.
Valley fever occurs when individuals inhale dust that contains the Coccidioides fungus, leading to respiratory symptoms that can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, even prove fatal. Research conducted by the University of California, Berkeley and the CDPH has revealed that periods of heavy rain can make the Coccidioides fungus more active. As a result, the coming months could see a spike in valley fever cases as spores that developed during this year’s record rainfall dry out and become airborne in dust.
“We had a wet winter following years of drought. This pattern in climate has been associated with large increases of valley fever in the past,” stated a CDPH spokesperson in an email to SFGATE.
While most valley fever cases occur in California’s Central Valley, rates of the disease have been rising in areas along the Central Coast and in Southern California, according to data from the CDPH. Kern County currently has the highest rates of valley fever in the state, with 2,819 cases reported in 2021.
Over the past two decades, statewide reports of valley fever have shown a significant increase, surging from less than 1,000 cases in 2000 to over 9,000 cases in 2019. CDPH data also indicates that approximately 1,000 individuals are hospitalized with the disease each year, and one in ten cases results in death.
Symptoms of valley fever include coughs, fevers, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. While about six in ten infected individuals naturally overcome the infection, those who become sick may require hospitalization and follow-up medical care.
To help prevent valley fever, the CDPH recommends measures to minimize exposure to dirt and dust, such as keeping car windows closed and using recirculating air when driving through areas prone to the disease. People at higher risk of contracting valley fever are those who live and work in places where the fungus is prevalent, particularly those who work outdoors or in professions involving regular soil disturbance, such as construction and agriculture. Research by UC Davis has found that California’s Hispanic and Latino farmworkers are at a higher risk, with 47% of the state’s valley fever cases occurring within this demographic.
To avoid dusty areas in regions where valley fever is common, the CDPH advises wearing N95 masks and keeping windows and doors closed during periods of windy weather. Additionally, wetting down soil before digging can help prevent the stirring up of dust in the air.
With valley fever cases on the rise, it is crucial for individuals and communities to remain vigilant, take necessary precautions, and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms related to the disease.