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What Is Valley Fever?
Valley Fever (also called coccidioidomycosis or “cocci”) is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides spores that live in dry soil. When the soil is disturbed—by wind, farming, construction, or wildfires—the spores become airborne. Breathing them in can cause infection.
Most infections affect the lungs, but in some cases the fungus spreads to other parts of the body, including the brain, causing serious illness.
Why Are Valley Fever Cases Spiking?
California is experiencing record-high Valley Fever cases:
- Nearly 12,500 cases were reported in 2024, the highest on record.
- Early 2025 data show infections are continuing to rise across the state.
- Traditionally limited to the Central Valley, cases are now spreading into Sacramento, Stanislaus, and Northern California counties.
- Repeated wet winters followed by hot, dry summers create the perfect conditions for spore growth and release.
- Wildland firefighters and outdoor workers are increasingly at risk, as digging and fire suppression disturb spore-filled soil.
Experts warn that climate change is expanding Valley Fever’s range northward. Some scientists predict that in coming decades, half of the U.S. may be endemic for the fungus.
What Are the Symptoms?
Valley Fever symptoms often resemble the flu or a lingering cold. They may take 1–3 weeks to appear after exposure:
- Fever
- Cough
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Unexplained weight loss
In most people, symptoms are mild and go away on their own. But in some cases, Valley Fever leads to pneumonia or chronic lung damage. In rare cases, it can spread beyond the lungs to the brain, skin, or bones.
Who’s Most at Risk?
While anyone can get Valley Fever, the risk is higher for:
- People working outdoors: construction crews, farm workers, landscapers, firefighters
- People with weakened immune systems (HIV, chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients)
- Pregnant women (especially in the third trimester)
- Certain ethnic groups, including African Americans and Filipinos, who have a higher chance of developing serious disseminated disease
How to Protect Yourself
You can’t eliminate all risk, but you can reduce it:
- Wear an N95 or KN95 mask when outdoors in dusty conditions
- Avoid outdoor activities during high winds or dust storms
- Keep windows closed on dry, windy days
- Use indoor air filtration if you live in a high-risk area
- See a doctor early if you develop lingering flu-like symptoms after outdoor exposure
Get Checked If You’re Feeling Sick
If you’ve recently been outdoors and are experiencing fatigue, cough, or flu-like symptoms that won’t go away, ask your doctor about Valley Fever. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications.
FAQs
What are the early symptoms of Valley Fever?
Valley Fever symptoms can mimic the flu and include fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, and joint pain. Symptoms may take weeks to appear after exposure. If they persist or worsen, see a doctor.
Can you prevent Valley Fever?
You can’t prevent it completely, but you can lower your risk by avoiding dusty outdoor conditions, wearing protective masks, and keeping windows closed during dust storms.
Who is most at risk of severe Valley Fever?
People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, African Americans, and Filipinos are more likely to develop serious or disseminated disease. Outdoor workers and firefighters also face higher risk due to frequent dust exposure.
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