Valley fever cases are noticeably climbing in California, and health officials are sounding the alarm. By the end of July, the state had already reported 6,761 confirmed cases. If this trend keeps up, 2025 might see numbers surpassing the 12,595 cases documented in 2024. Last year’s tally was a record-breaker for California, where the average had been between 7,000 to 9,000 cases annually from 2016 to 2024, according to data from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). Reporting delays could mean even more cases will surface. “Valley fever is a serious illness that’s here to stay in California,” said Erica Pan, the state public health department director.
Valley fever, named after California’s San Joaquin Valley, is an infection caused by inhaling spores from a fungus called Coccidioides, which comes from the soil. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that the highest concentrations of cases are found in Southern Arizona and Southern California. However, the disease also affects New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Texas, and parts of Washington State. Research indicates that cycles of drought followed by rain can encourage the growth of the Valley fever fungus, leading to more spores in the air for people to breathe.
Dr. George Thompson from UC Davis Health, who co-directs the Center for Valley fever in Sacramento, has discussed the rise in cases with Fox News Digital. “We have seen a gradual increase in cases over the last five years, and a greater number of patients are coming into our clinic for diagnosis and treatment,” he noted. Certain groups face higher risks, according to the CDC, such as those over 60, individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, people with diabetes, and those who are Black or Filipino.
Symptoms of Valley fever can look a lot like those of COVID-19, making it tricky to diagnose. “Some [people] may have a fever, chills or fatigue, or just feel generally unwell,” Thompson explained. However, some patients experience severe symptoms like respiratory illness and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms can include extreme fatigue, bone or joint pain, night sweats, fever, chest pain, severe headaches, weight loss, and skin rashes, as outlined by the CDPH.
For some, the infection can spread beyond the lungs, potentially leading to meningitis, which affects 1% to 3% of those infected. Severe Valley fever cases might require hospitalization and long-term care. The fungus thrives in the soil, making certain hobbies and outdoor activities riskier. Dr. Thompson mentions cases often involve people in archaeology or those who frequently spend time outside. Although rare, people not in high-risk categories can also suffer severe consequences from the disease.
Rob Purdie, a California resident, experienced this firsthand when he contracted Valley fever in 2012 at the age of 38. The infection led to meningitis, causing intense headaches and double vision. “Some [people] may have a fever, chills or fatigue, or just feel generally unwell.” The spores had traveled from his lungs to his brain and nervous system, a potentially life-threatening condition. Over a decade later, Purdie continues to live with the effects of the disease.
Preventive measures are crucial since the fungus that causes Valley fever lives in the soil. Dr. Thompson advises those in high-risk groups to avoid areas where soil is disturbed, like construction sites. Wearing an N95 respirator can also help minimize exposure to spores in dusty environments. Not everyone with Valley fever needs medical treatment, but antifungal medications can be beneficial for some. This is particularly true for individuals with severe symptoms or those who are immunocompromised.
A blood test can confirm Valley fever, and a chest X-ray or CT scan can detect pneumonia cases. Anyone experiencing symptoms like cough, fever, or fatigue for more than a week should seek medical advice, especially if exposed to dirt or dust in areas where the fungus is common. It’s essential to stay informed and take precautions, particularly in areas with a high prevalence of the disease.
