California fever cases could break the record in 2024, say health officials

Valley fever cases stand in California, according to health officials.

At the end of July, 6,761 cases were confirmed – which means that if this rate continues, the total number of 2025 will probably exceed 12,595 cases observed in 2024.

The total of last year was a new record for the State, where the average was 7,000 to 9,000 cases per year between 2016 and 2024, according to California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Dengue fever cases causing mosquitoes have a overvoltage for vacation in the United States popular

The number of cases is expected to increase due to delays in reports.

“Valley Fever is a serious illness that is there to stay in California,” said Erica Pan, director of the State Department of Public Health, in a statement.

Valley fever cases stand in California, according to health officials. (istock)

Named after the San Joaquin valley in California, the valley fever is an infection caused by breathing in the spores of a fungus called Coccidioides, which comes from the ground.

“Valley fever is a serious disease that is there to stay in California.”

South of Arizona and South California have the largest volume of cases, according to the disease control and prevention centers (CDC) – but the disease is also widespread in New Mexico, Nevada, UTAH, Texas and certain parts of Washington.

Research has shown that Drought periods Followed by precipitation can promote the growth of the fungus of the valley fever, sending spores in the air that people breathe.

More cases of fatal bacterial infection “eaten flesh” in the popular holiday destination

Dr. George Thompson, professor at UC Davis Health and co -director of the Center for Valley Fever in Sacramento, previously spoke with Fox News Digital of the rise in cases.

“We have noticed a gradual increase in cases in the past five years, and a greater number of patients enter our clinic for diagnosis and treatment,” he said at the time.

Risks and symptoms

While the geographic location increases the overall risk of valley fever contract, the CDC notes that certain groups are more vulnerable.

These include people aged 60 and over, those who weaken immune systems following certain medical diseases or problems, pregnant women, people with diabetesAnd black or Philippin people.

Could the chikungunya virus extend to us? Here is what the Americans should know

Symptoms of valley fever can vary in type and severity, but they tend to imitate those observed in patients with COVID-19, according to experts.

“Some (people) may have fever, chills or fatigue, or simply feel sick,” said Thompson d’Uc Davis Health.

Named after the San Joaquin valley in California, the valley fever is an infection caused by breathing in the spores of a fungus called Coccidioides, which comes from the ground. (istock)

However, he said he saw serious cases where patients experience respiratory disease and difficulty breathing.

Other symptoms may include extreme fatigue, bone or joint pain, night sweats, fever, chest pain, serious headache, weight loss and rashes, according to the CDPH.

Click here to obtain the Fox News app

Thompson estimated that for 1% to 3% of people, the infection will leave the lungs and go to other parts of the body, which can lead to meningitis.

People who suffer from a serious valley fever may have to be treated in a hospital and may need current medical care for months or years, have warned health officials.

Since the fungus that causes the valley to live in the soil, the infection is often “linked to hobbies,” said an expert. He said he saw many cases among people in archeology or spending a lot of time outside. (istock)

Although it is rare, people outside of high -risk groups may experience serious effects of valley fever.

One of them is Rob Purdie from California, who contracted the valley fever in 2012 at the age of 38. The infection led to meningitis, which caused serious headache and a double vision, he previously told Fox News Digital.

“Some (people) may have fever, chills or fatigue, or simply feel sick.”

The fungus spores had spread from his lungs to his brain and his nervous system, a potentially fatal condition.

More than a decade later, Purdie lives with the persistent effects of disseminated coccidioid meningitis caused by the fever of the valley.

Prevention strategies

Since the fungus that causes the valley to live in the soil, the infection is often “linked to hobbies,” said Thompson. He said he saw many cases among people in archeology or spending a lot of time outside.

Anyone who has felt a cough, fever, fatigue or other symptoms of valley fever for more than seven to 10 days should see a doctor. (istock)

For those who have high -risk groups, the doctor recommends avoiding construction sites or areas where the soil is often agitated in the air.

People can also wear A N95 respirator, A type of high quality mask, to minimize exposure in dusty areas.

Diagnosis and treatment

All those who acquire the valley fever do not need medical treatment, although some can benefit from antifungal medicines.

Those who have serious symptoms, take immunocompromised drugs have cancer, have HIV, are pregnant or have an organ transplant that probably need antifungal.

Click here to register for our Health Newsletter

A blood test sent to a laboratory can confirm a current or anterior infection of fever of the valley, and a radiography or a chest CT can detect cases of pneumonia, depending on the CDC.

For more health items, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Anyone who has felt a cough, fever, fatigue or other symptoms of the valley fever for more than seven to 10 days should see a doctor, especially if it has been around dirt or dust in areas where the mushroom is spread.