All articles tagged with #valley fever
The piece argues that dust storms—historically deadly 'Dust Bowl' events—are returning to the US as hotter, drier conditions and waning vegetation lift dust into the sky, with health risks ranging from dust pneumonia to Valley Fever; it cites 2025 events in El Paso and New Mexico and warns that climate change could make such 'deathstorms' more frequent and costly unless mitigation and forecasting improve.
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.
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.
A Hawaii man who traveled to Arizona to train as a diesel mechanic developed Valley Fever that spread to his brain, triggering a stroke. Doctors in Hawaii didn’t pursue the disease, so his mother found a treatment path in Phoenix after seeing a survivor’s video about Mayo Clinic care. He was evacuated to Mayo Clinic for life-saving treatment and now communicates with an eye-tracking device; the journey cost about $96,000 for the medevac, and a GoFundMe has been set up for medical and living expenses as his prognosis remains uncertain and a return to Hawaii isn’t assured.
Public health officials in Riverside County report a 58% increase in Valley fever cases in 2024, with 465 confirmed cases so far, linked to dry, dusty conditions. The disease, caused by inhaling fungal spores, poses risks especially to outdoor workers and those with pre-existing health conditions. Precautions include staying indoors during dust storms, wearing masks, and avoiding dusty areas. Symptoms resemble the flu and can become severe, requiring medical attention.
California is experiencing a surge in Valley Fever cases, with 6,761 reported by July 2025, potentially surpassing the previous record of 12,595 cases in 2024, driven by climate change and soil-borne spores that cause respiratory illness, which can be severe in vulnerable populations.
Valley fever cases in California are reaching record highs in 2025, with 6,761 cases reported by July, surpassing the 10-year average and last year's total, likely influenced by drought, precipitation patterns, and climate change. The disease, caused by inhaling fungal spores from disturbed soil, is most prevalent in arid regions like the San Joaquin Valley, and officials warn about increased risks and symptoms that mimic COVID-19. Preventive measures include staying indoors, wearing masks, and wetting soil before disturbance.
A comprehensive study in New Mexico reveals that residents are among the most at-risk populations for Valley fever, a lung-infecting disease caused by inhaling soil fungi, with higher risks in dusty, dry areas and rodent burrows; awareness and early treatment are crucial.
Scientists have found that dogs can serve as early indicators of Valley fever outbreaks in the US by detecting fungal spores in their blood, which helps predict human infection risks, especially in regions with environmental changes like droughts and heavy rains.
A CDC-led study estimates that US valley fever cases in 2019 were 10 to 18 times higher than reported, with 273,000 symptomatic cases, highlighting the need for improved awareness, testing, and reporting to better understand and manage the disease.
California is experiencing a record increase in valley fever cases due to longer, drier summers, with over 4,000 cases reported from January to April. The disease, caused by inhaling spores of the fungus coccidioides in dry soil, is more likely to affect outdoor workers, pregnant women, children, and certain ethnic groups. Public health officials recommend precautions such as wearing masks, staying indoors during windy days, and avoiding dusty activities to reduce risk. Symptoms include cough, fever, and chest pain, and while mild cases resolve on their own, severe cases require medical treatment with antifungal medications.
California and Arizona are experiencing a significant rise in Valley Fever cases, a lung infection caused by the Coccidioides fungus, with California reporting a 46% increase and Arizona an 11% increase in 2024. The disease, which is not transmissible between humans, can lead to severe lung problems and even fatal complications in some cases. Efforts to develop a human vaccine are underway, with the University of Arizona Valley Fever Center for Excellence receiving $33 million in funding, following successful development of a canine vaccine.
University of Utah researchers are studying the spread of Valley fever, a fungal respiratory infection, through soil and dust in Utah. The interdisciplinary team is mapping where the fungus can survive and spread, especially in the Washington County and St. George regions. With climate change impacting the range of the fungus, the researchers aim to raise awareness and educate the public about the signs, symptoms, and prevention of Valley fever, which poses a significant risk to outdoor workers.
Intensifying winter rainstorms in California are spreading the deadly fungal disease valley fever, with cases reaching record numbers. Climate change, particularly the oscillation between extreme dryness and wetness, is creating ideal conditions for the spores to spread. Rising global temperatures and increasingly intense atmospheric rivers are fueling the growth of valley fever, posing a profound threat to public health in California.
Respiratory illnesses like Valley fever, Covid-19, and influenza are prevalent in Arizona, with Valley fever being particularly dangerous due to its less discussed nature. Caused by spores in desert soil, it can lead to severe symptoms and affect other parts of the body if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, especially for those frequently outdoors in southwestern regions. Preventative measures such as vaccines, handwashing, and stress reduction are recommended to stay healthy.