Coccidioidomycosis (coc·cid·i·oi·do·myco·sis)
also known as
Valley Fever
Coccidioidomycosis, or Valley Fever, is a common fungal
disease transmitted through the inhalation of
Coccidioides immitis spores that are carried in dust.
Environmental conditions conducive to an increased
occurrence of coccidioidomycosis are as follows: arid to
semi-arid regions, dust storms, lower altitude, hotter
summers, warmer winters, and sandy, alkaline soils. It
is endemic in the southwestern US and parts of Mexico
and South America. Southern California is a known
endemic area.
Many infected individuals exhibit no symptoms or have a
mild respiratory illness, but some individuals develop a
severe illness such as pneumonia, meningitis, or
dissemination when the fungus spreads to many parts of
the body. Because of the wide range of clinical
presentations, only the most severe cases are usually
reported to the health department. Laboratory diagnosis
is made by demonstrating the fungus with microscopic
examination or culture or by serologic testing. Blacks,
Latinos, Native Americans, Filipinos, males, pregnant
women, the very young (<5 years), elderly, and
immunocompromised individuals are at high risk for
severe disease.
What you Need to Know About Valley Fever: Presentation
with sound and animation
Additional Resources
Resources from the California Department of Public
Health
