What is the disease associated with San Joaquin Valley fever?
What is the disease associated with San Joaquin Valley fever?
The scientific name for Valley fever is “coccidioidomycosis,” and it’s also sometimes called “San Joaquin Valley fever” or “desert rheumatism.” The term “Valley fever” usually refers to Coccidioides infection in the lungs, but the infection can spread to other parts of the body in severe cases (this is called “ …
Can Arizona natives get Valley fever?
A study released in June 2021, although not yet peer reviewed, shows Native Americans may also be disproportionately impacted by Valley fever in northern Arizona.
What is the name of the fungus that causes Valley fever?
Valley fever, also called coccidioidomycosis, is an infection caused by the fungus Coccidioides. The fungus is known to live in the soil in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and Central and South America. The fungus was also recently found in south-central Washington.
Does Valley fever ever leave your body?
For many people, the symptoms of Valley fever will go away within a few months without any treatment. Healthcare providers choose to prescribe antifungal medication for some people to try to reduce the severity of symptoms or prevent the infection from getting worse.
Can Valley fever go to the brain?
NEW ORLEANS — In rare cases, the fungus that causes valley fever can also infect the brain, a new study finds. In the U.S., valley fever mainly strikes people in the Southwest. It is caused by the Coccidioides fungus, which is found in the soil in that part of the country.
Does Valley fever stay in your body forever?
The symptoms of Valley fever usually last for a few weeks to a few months. However, some patients have symptoms that last longer than this, especially if the infection becomes severe. Approximately 5 to 10% of people who get Valley fever will develop serious or long-term problems in their lungs.
Where is Valley fever most common in Arizona?
Around 4 million people live in areas where the Valley Fever fungus is prevalent in the soil. About 80% of these people live in southern Arizona (Phoenix and Tucson).
How is coccidioidomycosis transmitted?
Coccidioidomycosis is typically transmitted by inhalation of airborne spores of C immitis or C posadasii (see Etiology). Infection occurs in endemic areas and is most commonly acquired in the summer or the late fall during outdoor activities.
Does Valley fever stay in your system forever?
What part of the body does Valley fever affect?
The most serious form of the disease, disseminated coccidioidomycosis, is uncommon. It occurs when the infection spreads (disseminates) beyond the lungs to other parts of the body. Most often these parts include the skin, bones, liver, brain, heart, and the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord (meninges).
Can Valley fever affect the brain?
In some people, however the infection may become severe and lead to a pneumonia-like illness. The disease may also affect other parts of the body, such as the skin, joints and brain. Valley fever can be fatal in people with weakened immune systems.