Coccidiodomycosis (coc·cid·i·oi·do·myco·sis)
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.
Most infected individuals exhibit no symptoms or have a mild respiratory illness, but a few 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.
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