Valley fever cases up 43% in the US through mid-August
Arizona and California account for 97% of all cases
From the beginning of the year through August 10, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received 14,937 reports of coccidioidomycosis, or Valley fever cases, an increase of 43 percent compared to the same period in 2023 (10,461).
Arizona accounts for 58 percent of the cases (8,632), while California follows with 5,876, or 39 percent of the cumulative total. Both states have reported significant increases in cases with 58 and 32 percent, respectively.
Coccidioidomycosis (also called Valley fever or “cocci”) is a disease caused by inhalation of the spores of the Coccidioides immitis fungus that grows in the soil and dirt in some areas of the southwestern United States, with 97% of cases reported in Arizona and California.
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Anyone who lives, works, or travels in areas where Coccidioides is present can become infected, particularly people exposed to dirt and dust outdoors.
Coccidioidomycosis may be asymptomatic but typically presents as a self-limited respiratory illness or pneumonia. Patients may also present with erythema nodosum. However, infection can also lead to progressive pulmonary disease or severe disseminated disease including meningitis and can be fatal.
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