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Source- This post on Valley fever has been created based on the article “California drought boosts dangerous airborne fungus, valley fever to peak” published in “India Today” on 7th September 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, there has been a rise in cases of Valley fever across California.
About Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis)
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) is a lung infection caused by breathing in spores from the Coccidioides fungus. It is endemic to the western United States. 2. The fungus lives in the soil, especially in the Pacific Northwest and southwestern United States, and parts of Mexico, Central America, and South America. |
| Causes | 1. It is caused by inhaling spores of Coccidioides immitis (in California) and Coccidioides posadasii (in other regions). 2. Spores are released when the soil is disturbed, such as during dust storms or construction. |
| Symptoms | 1. Most cases of Valley fever either show no symptoms or resolve on their own. 2. Only about 1% of symptomatic individuals develop serious disease, which may result in complications such as i) Pneumonia ii) Fluid or pus buildup in the lungs (pleural effusion or empyema) iii) Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) iv) Ruptured pockets of fluid or air in the lungs (hydropneumothorax) v) Disseminated coccidioidomycosis, where the infection spreads beyond the lungs. If it reaches the brain, it can cause coccidioidal meningitis, a life-threatening condition. |
| Transmission | 1. It is non-contagious, but spores can spread through the air. 2. In extremely rare cases, the spores can enter the skin through a wound and cause a skin infection. |
| Who are at greater risk | 1. Valley fever can affect anyone living in or traveling to areas with Coccidioides in the environment. 2. Adults aged 60 and older are at greater risk. 3. People who have weakened immune systems, for example, people who have HIV/AIDS, have had an organ transplant, are taking medications such as corticosteroids or TNF-inhibitors, pregnant women, people who have diabetes and people who are Black or Filipino |
| Treatment | Many people recover on their own within weeks or months without treatment. Severe or spreading infections need antifungal medication and may require hospitalization. |
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