Tag

Coccidioides

All articles tagged with #coccidioides

health19 days ago•5 min saved

Kern County Oil Drilling Linked to 12.5% Rise in Valley Fever Risk

Valley fever is expanding into urban areas of California's Central Valley, with new research linking proximity to oil drilling and rodent burrows to increased infection rates. UC Berkeley professor John Taylor warns that the Coccidioides fungus thrives in rodent habitats, while postdoctoral fellow Lisa Couper finds that living within three miles of new wells in Kern County raises infection risk by 12.5%. The disease, which can be fatal, is spreading as construction disturbs soil, prompting calls for stricter safety measures and buffer zones.

via Los Angeles Times|

#central-valley #coccidioides #health

health5 months ago•5 min saved

Climate-Fueled Fungus Storms Put Lungs—and Sometimes Brains—at Risk

Climate change is fueling “fungus storms”—winds lift invisible fungal spores that can cause valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) and other infections. In the US, valley fever ≈10,000 cases a year (primarily in Arizona), with about 60% of exposed people not getting ill; among those infected, around 10% develop long-term lung damage and roughly 1% have infection spread to the brain or spinal cord, contributing to about 160 deaths annually. Farm and construction workers are at higher risk. Beyond valley fever, fungi like Aspergillus carried by dust may pose broader health threats and are on global health priority lists. Airborne spores can influence weather patterns and carry economic costs from dust storms. While many exposures are harmless, climate-driven changes may expand fungal risks to new areas.

via BBC Wildlife Magazine|

#airborne-spores #climate-change #coccidioides

world5 months ago•7 min saved

California-Resident Indian Techie Dies After Month-Long Valley Fever Battle

Chiranjeevi Kolla, a 37-year-old Indian tech professional based in California, died after a month-long battle with Valley fever, a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides. He first fell ill in April with flu-like symptoms, was hospitalized with severe pneumonia and placed on a ventilator, and succumbed after 30 days in the ICU. He is survived by his wife and their five-year-old son, with a GoFundMe fundraiser noting the emotional and financial strain on the family.

via NDTV|

#california #coccidioides #gofundme

health3 years ago•5 min saved

The Growing Threat of Valley Fever: Climate Change and Increased Infections

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 500,000 Americans could be affected by Valley fever, a disease caused by the fungus Coccidioides. This figure is more than triple the previous estimates. Valley fever primarily occurs in the Southwest, but cases have been reported in unexpected areas. Symptoms include fever, cough, rash, and fatigue. While some cases can resolve on their own, complications can arise in up to 10% of cases. Diagnosis can be challenging, leading to delayed treatment. Climate change, with its warming temperatures and changing rain patterns, is projected to expand the areas where the fungus thrives, potentially increasing the number of Valley fever cases.

via Yahoo Life|

#cdc #climate-change #coccidioides

health3 years ago•5 min saved

The Growing Threat of Valley Fever: Climate Change and Increased Infections

Valley fever, caused by the fungus Coccidioides, could be affecting more than 500,000 Americans each year, according to preliminary estimates from the CDC. The disease primarily occurs in the Southwest, but cases have been reported in unexpected areas. Symptoms are similar to influenza or COVID-19, and while some people recover on their own, complications can arise in up to 10% of cases. Diagnosis can be delayed, leading to unnecessary treatments. Climate change, including drought and wildfires, is linked to the spread of the fungus, and warming temperatures may expand the areas where it thrives. Efforts are underway to develop a vaccine and new treatments for Valley fever.

via CBS News|

#cdc #climate-change #coccidioides