Acute Communicable
Disease Control

 
Contact Information
County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, #212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
Email:acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov

Call 211 For Information 24/7

Have questions about things like where to go for vaccinations or other health care services?

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Acute Communicable Disease Control
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

 

 

 

Valley Fever
Youth Poster
(English)  (Spanish)
Valley Fever
Youth Flyer
(English)  (Spanish)
Valley Fever
Frequently Asked Questions
(English) (Spanish)
Valley Fever Stickers
Order Form
Valley Fever Bookmarkers
(English/Spanish)
Order Form
Valley Fever
Antelope Valley Flyer
(English) (Spanish)
 
Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.
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