Cases of a Deadly Fungal Infection are Surging Across Western States

Throughout the Western US, people and animals are suffering from increasing incidents of a dangerous fungal infection called Valley Fever.

While many cases resolve on their own, others who come down with the disease aren’t so lucky. In fact, deaths are on the rise in states where the illness is prevalent.

Join us as we discuss the causes of Valley Fever and how you can protect yourself.

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Two cyclists peddle down a dusty road in Zion National Park.

Popular Music Festival Becomes Ground Zero for Valley Fever

In May 2024, around 20,000 music lovers traveled to Buena Vista Lake, California, for the annual Lightning in a Bottle festival. Performers like Fatboy Slim, Skrillex, and James Blake headlined the event, which, by all accounts, was a hit. That is until attendees began exhibiting a range of concerning symptoms.

Some party-goers reported experiencing a cough during the festivities, which they attributed to the pervasive dust in the air. After heading home, some attendees came down with fever, body aches, and shortness of breath.

Eventually, the symptoms progressed to the point that at least one spectator required surgery to see improvement.

Unfortunately, the problem is a growing epidemic for residents of the desert Southwest. It turns out those dust clouds surrounding the Lighting in a Bottle venue carried more than just your run-of-the-mill allergens. Fans were breathing in spores from two fungi species in the genus Coccidioides, the creatures behind the dreaded Valley Fever.

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What is Valley Fever and Who is at Risk?

Coccidioidomycosis is a respiratory illness sometimes called Valley Fever or cocci. Named after California’s San Joaquin Valley, the fungi that cause the disease can live in the soil around the area. When the winds kick up, fungal spores become airborne and can enter the lungs of unsuspecting victims.

In addition to the Golden State’s Central Valley, this species has appeared in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Texas, and Washington. Researchers have also found it in parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Most healthy adults who breathe in these spores will recover without incident. However, people with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of complications.

Sadly, this illness affects animals as much as humans in desert environments. Livestock and family pets are susceptible to the fungal infection. Since dogs tend to run with their noses to the ground, they’re at higher risk than other animals.

When animals contract Valley Fever, they may have symptoms like a dry cough, lack of energy, or loss of appetite. As in humans, the infection can spread to other parts of the body if they don’t receive the proper medication to fight the disease. They may ultimately experience blindness, seizures, and other brain abnormalities.

Valley Fever isn’t the only threat to pets. Here’s a guide to Emergency Pet Detoxifiers for RVers!

Three Stages of this Fungal Infection

One of the most frustrating aspects of cocci is that the disease manifests in various ways for different patients. Some people show no signs at all, while others end up dying from the illness.

However, here’s a general breakdown of the symptoms of Valley Fever based on the severity.

Acute Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)

The earliest and most common stage of cocci is the illness often called Valley Fever. It’s generally mild and includes symptoms like cough, fever, and muscle aches. In some cases, a red rash appears on the lower legs, arms, and back.

Unless you undergo specific testing for the fungal infection, it will likely be mistaken for a cold or flu. In fact, many people may not know they contracted the disease until routine X-rays later reveal nodules on their lungs.

Most instances of Valley Fever appear within one to three weeks of exposure and resolve without significant medical intervention.

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Chronic Coccidioidomycosis

When Valley Fever doesn’t clear up on its own, it can develop into chronic cocci, a long-term fungal infection of the lungs. This is generally more common in people with compromised immune systems.

In these instances, sufferers may experience an ongoing cough, low-grade fever, chest pains, and unexplained weight loss. At this stage, nodules on the lungs can present a growing problem. These patients may see blood in the phlegm they cough up.

Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis

Although rare, this fungal infection can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body. When this happens, painful lesions may appear on the skin, skull, or spine. Patients may have swollen, uncomfortable joints. Finally, the disease can attack the brain and spinal cord, resulting in meningitis.

A veterinarian checks out a pug in an exam room. It's essential to have your pets tested for Valley fever if they show any symptoms of the disease.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Pets from Valley Fever

While the idea of contracting Valley Fever is concerning, you don’t have to avoid the great outdoors altogether. However, you should take precautions if you live or travel in places where these fungi exist.

Experts suggest avoiding construction sites, agricultural fields, and other areas where dust and dirt churn into the air. If that’s impossible, limit your time outside and wear an N95 mask to keep the spores out of your airway.

Any time you need to dig in dry ground, be sure to wet the soil to prevent spores from entering the air. Consider covering open ground with landscaping plants, sod, or rocks to limit the movement of these particles. Additionally, you can install HEPA filters in your home to capture the organisms.

There is currently a vaccine for dogs that can help them avoid severe illness from Valley Fever. Other ways to protect your pets include limiting their access to un-landscaped areas, walking them on paved roads, and keeping them inside as much as possible during the dry season.

Keep deadly fungal spores out of your airway with a pack of Individually Wrapped N95 Face Masks!

Don’t Let Valley Fever Get You Down

Under the wrong circumstances, Valley Fever can be deadly for humans and pets alike. However, most cases resolve on their own without the need for medical assistance.

We suggest following the advice of medical experts to protect yourself. Masking up, limiting your exposure to dusty conditions, and strategically landscaping your property can keep you and your loved ones safe!