Valley Fever | Symptoms of the Spreading Fungal Disease in California

livewell
September 18, 2024
Noah Bennett

Valley Fever | Symptoms of the Spreading Fungal Disease in California

Learn about Valley Fever, its symptoms and how the fungal disease spreads in California. Stay informed to recognize and address this illness effectively.

What is Valley Fever?

Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever, is a fungal infection of the lungs that occurs when an individual breathes in the fungus Coccidioides from the environment. Additionally, valley fever represents an initial stage of Coccidioides infection. Most individuals are asymptomatic or some experience flu-like symptoms, but in some cases, the infection progresses to serious stages. Moreover, Coccidioides reside in the soil of southwest U.S., Central America, South America, and regions of Washington state. Every year approximately 20,000 individuals suffer from Valley fever. Valley fever is mostly common in Arizona and California. Generally, valley fever is not contagious, but sometimes there are valley fever outbreaks.

What are the causes of Valley Fever?

An individual suffers from valley fever when he/she inhales the spores of certain fungi. The causative agent of valley fever is Coccidioides posadasii or Coccidioides immitis. Like several other fungi, the species of Coccidiodes have a complicated life cycle. In soil, Coccidiodes grow as a mold with filaments, when the soil is disturbed, they release airborne spores. Additionally, these spores are small and can be easily spread by the wind. Once these spores are inside the lungs, they reproduce, resulting in valley fever.

What are the Symptoms of Valley Fever?

Valley fever consists of three stages acute coccidioidomycosis, chronic coccidioidomycosis, and disseminated coccidioidomycosis. Let’s discuss their symptoms in detail.

Acute Coccidioidomycosis

The initial stage is usually asymptomatic or has fewer symptoms. The symptoms appear after one to three weeks of exposure. Some symptoms are:

Fever.
Fatigue.
Difficulty breathing.
Cough.
Headache.
Night sweats.
Joint pains.
Muscle soreness.
Chills.
Rashes on legs, arms, chest, etc.

Chronic Coccidioidomycosis

If the acute coccidioidomycosis doesn’t completely resolve, it often develops into chronic coccidioidomycosis. Additionally, individuals with weak immune systems experience this complication. Symptoms of chronic coccidioidomycosis are:

Fever
Cough
Sputum with blood.
Chest pain.
Nodules in the lungs.
Weight loss.

Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis

This is the most serious stage of the disease. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis happens when the infection spreads to other body parts such as the brain, skin, heart, bones, liver, etc. Some symptoms are:

Nodules, skin lesions, and ulcers.
Sore lesions in the skull, bones, and spine.
Swelling and pain in ankles or knees.
Meningitis.

Who is at high risk of getting Valley Fever?

Anyone who inhales the fungus can have Valley fever. This condition is mostly common in individuals

over 60 years. Individuals who are at high risk include:

Individuals with weak immune systems often due to diseases like HIV/AIDS.
Women in their third trimester of pregnancy.
People with diabetes.
Those with jobs that expose them to soil dust.
Individuals who traveled or shifted to where the fungus is present.

What Are The Risk Factors Associated With Valley Fever?

The risk factors associated with Valley Fever are:

Environmental Risk

An individual is at high risk when he/she inhales the spores of Coccidioides. Moreover, those living in areas where this fungus is common are at high risk. Additionally, individuals working in dusty areas such as construction sites, agricultural laborers, etc. are at high risk.

Ethnicity

Ethnicity plays a role in the development of Valley fever. Individuals of Filipino and African descent are highly susceptible to the development of Valley Fever.

Weak Immune System

People with weak immune systems are at risk of serious complications. Additionally, it includes people with AIDS or those who have undergone chemotherapy, etc. Furthermore, people with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis are at high risk. People who are being treated with TNF drugs are also highly susceptible.

Diabetic Individuals

Individuals with diabetes are at high risk of developing serious lung infections.

Age

Old age people are more likely to develop coccidioidomycosis. This can be due to weak immunity or any other underlying medical condition affecting their overall well-being.

What are the complications associated with Valley Fever?

Some complications of Coccidioidomycosis are:

Pneumonia

Many individuals recover from pneumonia due to coccidioidomycosis without any complications. However, individuals of Filipino or African descent, or those with weak immunity can develop severe pneumonia.

Rupturing of Lung Nodules

Some individuals can develop lung cavities, which often disappear without serious complications. However, some cavities may rupture, leading to chest pain or breathing difficulties. Additionally, in condition, healthcare specialist places the tube around the lungs.

Disseminated Stage

This condition is rare but it is a severe complication. If the fungus disseminates, it results in skin ulcers. severe joint pain, urinary tract issues, meningitis, bone lesions, inflammation of the heart, etc.

How can Valley Fever be diagnosed?

For Valley fever diagnosis, a healthcare professional performs a physical examination and asks about the patient’s medical and travel history. Additionally, the healthcare professional recommends some tests for confirmation. These tests include:

Blood Tests

This is the most common test for diagnosis of Valley fever. The healthcare provider inserts a needle into the patient’s vein and draws blood. Furthermore, he/she sends this blood to the lab to diagnose signs of Coccidioides.

Biopsy

The healthcare provider takes the patient’s tissue sample and sends it to the lab for confirmation.

Imaging

It includes a chest X-ray and CT scan. These imaging procedures indicate whether or not the patient’s has pneumonia.

How can Valley Fever be treated?

Treatment depends on the patient’s condition. The healthcare provider may recommend keeping an eye on signs and symptoms before medications or they may treat the patient to reduce the risk of complications. Furthermore, certain medications for treating Valley fever include:

Amphotericin B.
Fluconazole.
Itraconazole.

In rare circumstances, the healthcare professional may perform surgical procedures to treat severe complications. The surgical procedure may include the removal of damaged lung tissue, etc.

How to manage Valley Fever?

The following strategies can help manage Valley fever.

Using antifungal medications helps manage Valley fever.
Regular check-ups are crucial to monitor the treatment process.
Over-the-counter pain relief medications can reduce swelling and manage discomfort.
In case Valley fever affects a patient’s lungs severely, a healthcare professional gives respiratory support. Moreover, patients should avoid exposure to dust to prevent the situation from worsening.

Maintain a well-balanced diet for overall well-being and immune system strengthening. Moreover, good hygiene practices minimize the infection risk.
Be aware of the symptoms of Valley fever to avoid complications. Thus, staying self-aware and educating others is important.

How to prevent Valley Fever?

If an individual resides in an area where Valley fever is common, in this case, it’s hard to avoid inhaling Coccidioides spores. However, some strategies to prevent yourself from getting infected are as follows:

Avoid going to areas where there is dust or dirt. Use masks such as N95 that help filter Coccidioides spores.
Stay inside in case of dust storms.
Avoid gardening, yard work, etc., so you don’t expose yourself to fungal spores.

When to consult a healthcare professional?

Seek medical attention if you are above the age of 60 years, have weak immunity, are pregnant, or are of African and Filipino descent and you have the symptoms of Valley fever. Additionally, it is important to consult a healthcare professional if you travel to a location where Valley fever is common. Furthermore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing symptoms without any improvement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a fungal disease Valley fever is spreading in California. The cause of Valley fever is Coccidioides fungal spores. When an individual inhales these spores, he/she gets infected. Moreover, the common symptoms of Valley fever are fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing, cough, headache, night sweats, joint pains, muscle soreness, chills, rashes on legs, arms, chest, etc. An individual may experience pneumonia, skin ulcers, meningitis, etc. in severe cases. Additionally, certain risk factors are associated with Valley fever such as environmental exposure, ethnicity, weak immunity, etc. The diagnostic procedure for Valley fever includes physical and medical examination, blood test, biopsy, and imaging test. The treatment involves certain medications and, in some cases, surgical interventions. Effective management and treatment can help prevent infection and complications risk.

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What are Valley Fever symptoms?

The common symptoms of Valley fever are fever, fatigue, difficulty breathing, cough, headache, night sweats, joint pains, muscle soreness, chills, rashes on legs, arms, chest, etc. An individual may experience pneumonia, skin ulcers, meningitis, etc. in severe cases.

What are Valley fever treatment options?

The treatment involves medications such as Amphotericin B, Fluconazole, Itraconazole, etc. and, in some cases, surgical interventions.

Is the California Valley Fever outbreak a concern?

Yes, the Valley Fever California outbreak is a concern because of the increasing prevalence associated with climate change and other environmental factors.

How does Valley Fever spread?

Valley Fever spreads upon inhalation of Coccidioides fungal spores. Additionally, it does not spread from individual to individual.

What are the diagnostic procedures for Valley Fever?

The diagnostic procedure for Valley fever includes physical and medical examination, blood test, biopsy, and imaging test.

When to seek medical attention?

Seek medical attention if you are experiencing Valley Fever symptoms.