With monsoon season in full force, dust is in the air. The director of Arizona’s Department of Health Services says it is time to think about Valley Fever.
Valley Fever is a lung infection caused by a fungus that lives in the soil in the desert (below 4,000 feet); it cannot be caught from other people. Fungal spores can be breathed in and infect a person with Valley Fever which causes cough, fever, headache, feeling tired, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms include a rash, night sweats, and losing weight.
The ADHS director, Will Humble, advises the public that sometimes, the fungus causes serious disease. Serious, or disseminated disease happens when the Valley Fever infection spreads to the skin, joints, bones, or brain. Disseminated disease, especially brain infections, can be deadly and may require treatment for life. Pregnant women, people with weak immune systems, and people of African-American or Asian (especially Filipino) descent are at a higher risk for developing serious disease.
Humble says it is hard to prevent Valley Fever infections. Avoiding activities associated with airborne dust can help, but it is no guarantee against getting infected. Humble warns the public to stay inside during the monsoonal associated dust storms.
The ADHS suggests that the best method of prevention is to educate yourself about Valley Fever. If you have any Valley Fever symptoms, ask your doctor to test you for Valley Fever.
Over the last 10 years, ADHS has “seen a huge increase in the number of Valley Fever cases in Arizona. In 2012, there were about 13,000 cases. Our Office of Infectious Disease Services monitors rates of Valley Fever in Arizona, carries out investigations to better understand the disease, and educates healthcare providers and the public,” according to Humble.
To learn more about Valley Fever, including information on educational materials, visit: http://www.valleyfeverarizona.org.