Latest news with #Coccidioides
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A fungus in Utah soil can lead to lung infections — but officials say there is ‘no reason to panic'
ST. GEORGE, Utah () — If you have been suffering from pneumonia-like symptoms lately (but you don't have pneumonia), you may have ingested Health officials say it's more common than you may think, especially in southern Utah. 'Washington County has the highest rate of Valley fever in the state,' Dr. Katharine S. Walter told 'And we think it is severely underreported compared to parts of California and Arizona, which are very well known to be endemic for the fungus.' , or Coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal lung infection that like fatigue, cough, fever, shortness of breath, and a rash. It occurs after spores from Coccidioides — which live in soil and dust in — are breathed in. If the FDA removes fluoride supplements, are there other options to protect teeth? Dentist weighs in Dr. Walter and Dr. Ginamarie Foglia — both epidemiologists — presented during a lecture series in southern Utah about the effects of Valley fever and concerns related to the changing environment. The aim of the event was to spread awareness of the prevalence of Valley fever, not to spread fear. 'There's no reason to panic,' Foglia told 'It's manageable. It's just that many people don't know what it is.' Foglia said that while Utahns should not panic about the potential for these types of infections, it is important to know what the risks and symptoms are. An understanding of the symptoms could help people better manage the infection. 'Many times it's seen as a bacterial infection, and people are given antibiotics, they don't get better,' Foglia said. 'So, it's really to alert people and to make them aware that it exists here.' The says many people who have Valley fever experience mild symptoms, and 'often get better without medication within a few months.' In some cases, severe infections may spread to other parts of the body, and cause patients to need more long-term treatment. 'This is a disease we should all be worried about because everyone is at risk, and the people at most risk are the people who work outside, who are constantly exposed to dust and soil, like agricultural workers — construction workers,' Walter said. Valley fever occurs after spores from Coccidioides — which live in soil and dust in — are breathed in. When that soil or dust is disturbed (such as during construction or a windstorm), the risk of breathing in those spores increases. The CDC reports that many people do not get sick from breathing in the spores, and most people who do fall ill get better on their own. However, for developing severe forms of Valley fever. If symptoms of Valley fever last longer than a week, officials recommend visiting a healthcare provider. Valley fever is , according to the CDC. Between 10,000 and 20,000 cases are reported to the CDC each year, with most cases reported in Arizona and California. 'Cases frequently are never diagnosed or misdiagnosed because many patients are not tested for Valley fever,' the CDC says. Foglia and Walter said many people often receive a delayed Valley fever diagnosis after initially being diagnosed with a bacterial infection. Walter also spoke about the potential role played by climate change in expanding the areas where the fungus can be found. 'We think that with a changing climate, that the area where the fungus can thrive and survive is likely to expand and change, and that's one thing we really need to study,' Walter said. The CDC says it is 'very difficult to avoid breathing in the fungus' — but there are still ways to help reduce exposure. For example, the CDC recommends using air filtration methods when indoors and avoiding areas (like construction sites) that have a lot of dust. Wearing an N95 respirator when around dust may also help, the CDC says. For more detailed explanations about Valley fever and prevention methods, . Joseph Degolyer contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Deadly Valley fever on rise in the US: Why California could see record infections again
A silent threat could be waiting to make a fierce return to California. Valley Fever , a potentially dangerous fungal infection that affects the lungs, is once again on the rise in the US. Early 2025 data shows over 3,100 confirmed cases have already been reported statewide, which is more than the number of infections reported last year. After a record-breaking year, California may be headed for another surge, which has raised concerns among health officials and residents alike. The lung infection is caused by a fungus that grows in western soil, which can lead to severe or even long-term lung problems. It can turn fatal too if not treated on time and if it spreads to the brain. Every year, it leads to thousands of cases in the USA, and hundreds of people die of the infection. What is valley fever Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection in your lungs that one can contract from breathing in the fungus Coccidioides from the environment. In the earliest stage of a Coccidioides infection, many people don't develop any symptoms or report flu-like symptoms. However, it may progress to more serious stages of coccidioidomycosis. The serious complications of the disease include pneumonia, fluid or pus in your lungs, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and ruptured pockets of fluid or air in your lungs. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch Bitcoin và Ethereum - Không cần ví! IC Markets BẮT ĐẦU NGAY Undo Coccidioides is commonly found in the soil in the southwest US, parts of Washington state, and Central and South America. The infection is most common in California and Arizona. The disease is spread when someone breathes in the spores, although many don't get infected. While the disease isn't contagious, there are outbreaks when there's a lot of dirt and dust. The infection is most common in late summer and fall, and the peak is seen usually in the months of September and November. 'There is no question that the number of cases of coccidioidomycosis is enormously higher than before,' Dr. Royce Johnson, chief of the division of infectious disease and director of the Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical in California, recently told NBC News. 'If you want to see me, right now you'd have to wait until July, and that goes for my colleagues, too.' The bulk of this year's Valley Fever cases have been reported in Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey, and Fresno counties. Kern County, known for its oil production and frequent wildfires, has long been the epicenter of outbreaks. However, new areas are emerging as hotspots. In Contra Costa County, located in the East Bay, cases have more than tripled since 2023. Merced is also experiencing a steady rise, while San Bernardino has already reported 60 more cases than it did last year. 'It appears to be spreading out,' Gail Sondermeyer Cooksey, an epidemiologist at the California Department of Public Health, told the outlet. Symptoms of valley fever Fatigue, cough, fever, headache, shortness of breath, night sweats, muscle aches, joint pain and a red rash on the upper body or legs are some of the symptoms. However, around 10 percent would develop serious or long-term problems in their lungs. Around 1 percent may see the infection spread to their skin, bones, joints or brain. Who is at risk People who work outdoors are at risk. Elderly, immunocompromised, and pregnant women are at an increased risk. California's swing from extreme drought to heavy rains has created ideal conditions for Valley Fever. Wet winters help the fungus grow, and dry summers break it into infectious spores. With a hot, dry summer ahead, experts warn the risk of infections may rise. US: Overwhelmed hospital braces for next COVID surge One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Valley Fever is ready to slam California again with record-breaking cases: Here's what you need to know
California may be facing another record year for Valley fever infections. The lung infections are caused by a fungus that grows in western soil, resulting in serious or long-term lung problems and potentially death if it is not treated and spreads to the brain. It results in thousands of cases every year in the U.S. and hundreds of deaths. The Golden State, where Valley Fever was first discovered, is consistently the state with the most infections. After a record year, early state data shows it's on track for what is looking to be another big one. There are already more than 3,100 confirmed cases across the state. That's more than there were at the same time last year and nearly double the amount in 2023. 'There is no question that the number of cases of coccidioidomycosis is enormously higher than before,' Dr. Royce Johnson, chief of the division of infectious disease and director of the Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical in California, recently told NBC News. 'If you want to see me, right now you'd have to wait until July, and that goes for my colleagues, too.' The majority of this year's cases are in Kern, Los Angeles, Monterey and Fresno counties. A significant oil-producing area, wildfire-stricken Kern has often been the epicenter of outbreaks — but there are new areas of concern. Cases in the East Bay's Contra Costa County have more than tripled since 2023. Merced has also seen cases steadily increase and San Bernardino has seen 60 more than last year. 'It appears to be spreading out,' Gail Sondermeyer Cooksey, an epidemiologist at the California Department of Public Health, told the network. Valley Fever, officially called coccidioidomycosis, was first discovered in Southern California's San Joaquin Valley. The lung infection is caused by the fungus Coccidioides that grows in soil in western parts of the U.S., with the majority of cases reported in California and Arizona. Valley Fever is caused by breathing in infectious spores, although some who are exposed are never infected. The spores can be kicked up during wind events, or through agricultural work and construction. While people can get Valley Fever at any time of the year, they are more likely to be infected during late summer and fall. Cases typically peak between September and November, due to a delay from infection to reporting. Symptoms can include fatigue, cough, fever, headache, shortness of breath, night sweats, muscle aches, joint pain and a red rash on the upper body or legs. As many as 10 percent of those who are infected will develop serious or long-term problems in their lungs. Another 1 percent will see it spread to their skin, bones, joints or brain. Those older than 60 are more likely to be infected, as well as people who have weakened immune systems, are pregnant, have diabetes and people who are Black or Filipino. People who work outdoors are also at a higher risk. Researchers have found that cases of the disease spike in California during a shift from drought to heavy rainfall. California specifically has seen rapid shifts from extreme drought to long-lasting atmospheric river events in recent years. Wet winters can provide the ideal conditions for Valley Fever infections, as the summer dries out the land and breaks down the fungus into infectious spores. After flooding and mudslides in March, the state is in for a hot and dry summer, according to federal forecasters. 'As climate change alters the timing and intensity of precipitation in California, we see longer high-risk periods for Coccidioides exposure,' Simon Camponuri, a PhD candidate at U.C. Berkeley, said in a statement.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists make remarkable new discovery after studying fast-spreading disease: 'Dogs are sentinels'
Dogs aren't only man's best friend, they can potentially offer humans greater insight into valley fever, a fungal infection plaguing the respiratory health of dogs and humans in the Western United States. Valley fever, also known as Coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection that occurs from breathing in the spores of the Coccidioides fungus. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the fungus lives in moist soil conditions commonly found in the Western United States and parts of Mexico, and Central and South America. Digging into soil containing the fungus spores can cause them to become airborne, which can then enter the respiratory system and cause infection. Dogs who like to dig into the soil are "more at risk of getting the disease," per Sierra Sun Times. However, humans and other mammals, including cattle, horses, llamas and alpacas, and apes and monkeys, have also been found to contract the disease. Among recorded valley fever cases in animals, though, dogs constitute the majority, according to the University of Arizona. A group of scientists at the University of California, Davis studied how the disease manifests in dog populations in the United States, gathering data trends to extrapolate disease risk in humans. The study, published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, is one of the largest scientific reviews on animal data for valley fever. Blood test results of 834,899 dogs over a 10-year period from 2012 to 2022 that were sourced from diagnostic laboratories that conducted animal blood tests for valley fever were analyzed. From this data, the scientists were able to map where positive cases of valley fever occurred — 91.5% of cases occurred in Arizona, 3.7% in California, 2.6% in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, collectively, and 0.6% in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, combined. The remaining states within the country made up 1.3% of positive cases. Observing positive cases in states where the disease has not yet become endemic, Jane Sykes, lead author of the UC Davis study, told Sierra Sun Times, "We should be closely watching those states because there could be under-recognition of the emerging fungal disease in humans." Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Exposure to the disease and occurring symptoms may vary from person to person, which include fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, rashes, and muscle or joint pain, but severe cases may cause long-term lung problems. "Dogs are sentinels for human infections," Sykes said, per Sierra Sun Times. Valley fever may be exacerbated by drought conditions, which can lead to dry soil that can be picked up and dispersed across the land by strong winds, as a study in the journal Environmental International, shared by Science Direct, explained. The fungal spore particles are then airborne, posing a health risk to humans and dogs who may accidentally inhale them. Intense heavy rainfall also creates the ideal conditions for the fungal spores to thrive, which tends to lead to bigger surges in positive cases when the rain returns, per UC San Diego. Scientists have found that soil moisture across the globe has been depleting over decades. Along with drying soil, over 130 U.S. locations have experienced an increase in hourly rainfall intensity since 1970, creating high-risk flood zones. Reducing national risk for valley fever includes increased awareness of the disease and hypervigilance in high-risk states. Studying dogs, as this study has found, may help humans better protect and defend against the disease. Taking action to protect the environment from rising global temperatures and the changing climate conditions that come with it may help reduce the frequency of extreme weather events, such as droughts and flooding, that increase the risk of disease. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
USA Today
16-05-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Could dogs help predict spread of Valley fever in people?
Could dogs help predict spread of Valley fever in people? California researchers think dogs can help predict the spread of Valley fever, which has surged in recent years, likely due to climate change. Show Caption Hide Caption 6 Of The Smartest Dog Breeds You Should Know About Dogs are often much more intelligent than we humans give them credit for. Here are six of the smartest dog breeds and their positive traits. unbranded - Lifestyle Researchers in California believe dogs might be able to predict the spread of Valley fever, which has spiked nationwide, likely due to climate change. With more than a third of the contiguous U.S. in a drought, there has been a surge in the dangerous airborne flu-like disease in humans. But Valley fever is also common in dogs who dig deep in dirt and sniff close to the ground, according to University of California researchers Jane Sykes and Simon Camponuri. They published a recent study in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. What is Valley fever? Valley fever is a lung infection caused by breathing in spores from Coccidioides, a fungus that lives in the soil and dust in certain regions of the United States and the world, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Valley fever does not spread between people or between people and animals. But, Sykes and Camponuri believe the dog data could be used as a warning sign for where humans should look out for the disease. Symptoms of Valley fever range from fever, cough, and chest pain to severe complications, including pneumonia and meningitis, UC Berkeley public health researchers say. Approximately 5 to 10% of people who get Valley fever will develop serious or long-term problems in their lungs, the CDC said. Dogs are 'sentinels for human infections' Sykes and Camponuri evaluated almost 835,000 blood antibody tests taken from dogs nationwide between 2012 and 2022. Their research concluded that nearly 40% of dogs tested positive for the disease. The study said since dogs are closely associated with humans, the canines "serve as rough proxies" for human environmental exposures. "Dogs are good sentinels for human infections," Sykes, a University of California, Davis, professor, told USA TODAY. "They can help us understand not only the epidemiology of the disease, but they're also models to help us understand the disease in humans." Is change coming?: An omega block is ruling our weather. When will it finally budge? About 60 million U.S. households own at least one dog, representing nearly half of all pet-owning households in the country, according to 2024 statistics by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Valley fever is spreading Sykes and Camponuri tracked positive results by location. Their research showed that the presence of Valley fever in dogs spiked nearly six times from just 2.4% of U.S. counties in 2012 to 12.4% in 2022. The study also found that the Valley fever cases in dogs spread over time, mostly centered in Arizona and California. Valley fever does not spread between people or between people and animals. But, Sykes and Camponuri believe the dog data could be used as a warning sign for where humans should look out for the disease. "We'd like more communication and awareness about Valley fever between public health and animal care practitioners, clinicians and environmental health scientists." Camponuri, a University of California, Berkeley researcher, told USA TODAY. Valley fever cases in humans tripled over the past two decades, according to another study released in March that Camponuri also researched. "Our findings emphasize the importance of adapting public health mitigation strategies to changing climate conditions," Camponuri said. "By understanding shifts in transmission season timing, we can take proactive steps to warn the public about increases in disease risk when they are most likely to occur." Human cases likely higher than reported The CDC reports it receives between 10,000 to 20,000 reports of human cases of Valley fever annually. However, Sykes thinks the actual number of cases may be at least 33-fold higher since many states don't require reporting. The CDC considers Valley fever endemic in parts of six states, including Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. Sykes told USA TODAY that their study found Valley fever in dogs in those states, but also in several more Western states including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. "We are also finding cases in states where valley fever is not considered endemic by the CDC," Sykes said. "Some of that could be due to people traveling with their dogs across state borders. We also know that these states have environmental and soil conditions suitable for the survival of the disease. "We should be closely watching those states because there could be under-recognition of the fungal disease in humans, so many cases get missed or misdiagnosed," Sykes added. Price for pets: The cost to own a dog or cat can be extensive. It's about to get more expensive. The study also shows the spike in dog cases was correlated with "hot spots" for human Valley fever, Sykes said, confirming its accuracy. "We still need to do more studies to predict the incidence and frequency of the disease in humans where we have no current information," Sykes said.
