.webp)
Imagine you're breathing in dust during a walk, hike, or drive through a dry, dusty area — and within that dust lives a fungus. That fungus, once inhaled, can cause a disease called Valley Fever.
Valley Fever, also known as Coccidioidomycosis, is an infection caused by a fungus found in soil. It’s most common in dry, desert-like places, especially in the southwestern United States, parts of Mexico, and Central and South America. But now, due to climate change and shifting weather patterns, Valley Fever is spreading to new regions, making it a global concern.
How Does Someone Get Valley Fever?
The fungus that causes Valley Fever lives in soil. When the soil is disturbed—during farming, construction, or strong winds—it releases fungal spores into the air. If you breathe in those spores, you might get infected.
You cannot catch Valley Fever from another person. It only spreads through inhaling the spores from the environment.
Who’s at Risk?
Anyone can get Valley Fever, but some people are more likely to develop serious illness, especially:
- Older adults
- Pregnant women
- People with weak immune systems
- People with diabetes
- Those who spend time in dusty outdoor environments
Even healthy people can get infected if exposed to a high number of spores.
Signs and Symptoms of Valley Fever
Most people who breathe in the spores don’t get sick. But those who do might feel like they have the flu. Here are the most common symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Night sweats
- Joint and muscle pain
- Skin rashes (in some cases)
Symptoms usually show up 1 to 3 weeks after exposure and may last for weeks or even months. In most cases, the body fights off the infection on its own. But in severe cases, the fungus can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body, like the brain, bones, or skin.
Valley Fever Is Spreading: Why Now?
There are a few reasons why Valley Fever is spreading beyond its usual regions:
Climate change: Warmer temperatures and drier conditions create ideal environments for the fungus to grow.
Increased travel: People are traveling more than ever, increasing the chance of exposure.
Population shifts: As more people move to desert or semi-arid regions, the risk of infection rises.
Places that never had Valley Fever cases before are now reporting infections. This includes parts of the U.S. where the fungus didn’t previously exist. Global awareness is essential because many doctors may not recognize the disease in non-endemic areas, leading to delayed diagnoses.
How Is Valley Fever Diagnosed?
Valley Fever can be tricky to diagnose because it looks a lot like flu or pneumonia. That’s why it’s often missed or mistaken for another illness.
Doctors may recommend:
- Blood tests to look for antibodies
- Chest X-rays or CT scans to check for lung issues
- Sputum tests to identify the fungus
If you've been in an area where Valley Fever is common and you develop lasting flu-like symptoms, it's important to let your doctor know.
How Is It Treated?
In most mild cases, no treatment is needed—the body clears the infection on its own. However, people with moderate to severe symptoms or those at high risk may need antifungal medications.
For some, especially those with weakened immune systems, treatment may continue for months or even longer. In rare cases, if the infection spreads to the brain or bones, it can become life-threatening and may need intensive care.
Can Valley Fever Be Prevented?
There’s no vaccine yet for Valley Fever, but you can take precautions:
- Avoid dusty outdoor areas, especially during windstorms.
- Wear a mask if working or spending time in dusty environments.
- Stay indoors during dust storms.
- Use air filtration indoors in high-risk areas.
- Wet soil before digging to reduce dust exposure.
Prevention is especially important for people who are more vulnerable to infection.
Why Choose Continental Hospitals?
At Continental Hospitals, we take fungal infections seriously. Our infectious disease experts, pulmonologists, and internal medicine specialists work together to provide the best care and accurate diagnosis. Here's why patients trust us:
- Advanced diagnostic tools to detect fungal infections early
- Individualised treatment plans based on the severity of your condition
- Compassionate, multidisciplinary team to support you at every stage
- World-class infection control practices to keep you safe
Our focus is on fast diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term health. We believe in treating not just the illness but the whole person.
When to See a Doctor
If you've recently been to a dry or dusty region and now experience flu-like symptoms that don't go away, it's time to see a doctor. Valley Fever can start mild but become serious if ignored.
At Continental Hospitals, we’re here to listen, evaluate, and guide you toward the right treatment.
Final Thoughts
Valley Fever may sound rare, but it’s becoming more common—and it's something we should all be aware of. Knowing the symptoms, understanding the risks, and getting care early can make a big difference.
Suffering from unexplained flu-like symptoms? Consult our best general physician at Continental Hospitals today.
