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Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Health
- Miami Herald
California valley fever cases hit record highs again in 2025, state reports
LOS ANGELES - The latest California numbers suggest 2025 will be another record-smashing year for valley fever, the illness linked to drought and precipitation and spread by fungal spores. There were 6,761 cases reported through the end of July, according to state health officials - a significant increase over the 10-year average of 3,833 for that same time period and a slight jump from last year's total of 6,364. The 10-year low was in 2016, when there was less than a quarter of what there is now. Last year's total of nearly 12,500 cases is the most on record for California and far more than the 7,000 to 9,000 cases per year the state averaged between 2016 and 2024. "California had a record year for Valley fever in 2024 and, so far, case counts are high in 2025. Valley fever is a serious illness that's here to stay in California," said Erica Pan, director of the state public health department. Officials say the current count is likely to be revised upward as there are often delays in reporting. Valley fever is most prevalent in the San Joaquin Valley and southern part of the state where the fungus, Coccidioides, thrives in dry, arid soil. Case numbers are also climbing in the northern Central Valley, though, and along the state's Central Coast. Researchers speculate the rise is tied to patterns of drought and precipitation. Periods of severe drought followed by wet winter and dry summer seem to coincide with more people getting sick. They also suspect climate change has expanded the fungi's range into areas where it was previously rare. For instance, since 2023, Monterey County's case numbers have exploded. There were 47 cases in 2023 and 348 this year as of July 31. Cases also doubled since 2023 in Contra Costa, Fresno, San Luis Obispo and Merced counties. People contract Valley fever by inhaling the Coccidioides spores, released when wind, wildfire, tractors, bulldozers, digging or even dancing disturbs the soil. Last year, at least 19 people who attended Lightning in a Bottle, a five-day music and art festival held at Buena Vista lake in Kern County, got sick - including several with pneumonia-like symptoms, rashes, headaches and exhaustion. But most people infected won't get symptoms and will fight off the infection naturally. Those who do feel sick may be hard-pressed to know what they have, since the symptoms are similar to COVID or the flu, further complicating efforts to address the disease. "We want to remind Californians, travelers to California and their healthcare providers to watch for signs and symptoms of Valley fever to help detect it early," Pan said. In rare cases, the fungus can spread to other parts of the body and cause severe disease or death. Valley fever is not contagious. Pan urged people to seek help from a medical provider if they've had a cough, fever, trouble breathing and tiredness for more than 7 to 10 days - especially if they've been outdoors in dusty air in the Central Valley or Central Coast regions. Pets are also susceptible. Health officials said people can reduce their risk while traveling in the San Joaquin Valley and much of the southwestern United States by staying indoors and keeping doors and windows closed when it's windy; keeping car windows closed and using recirculated air instead of fresh; wetting soil before digging or disrupting; and wearing a properly fitted N95 mask if the outdoors can't be avoided. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
California valley fever cases hit record highs again in 2025, state reports
The latest California numbers suggest 2025 will be another record-smashing year for valley fever, the illness linked to drought and precipitation and spread by fungal spores. There were 6,761 cases reported through the end of July, according to state health officials — a significant increase over the 10-year average of 3,833 for that same time period and a slight jump from last year's total of 6,364. The 10-year low was in 2016, when there was less than a quarter of what there is now. Last year's total of nearly 12,500 cases is the most on record for California and far more than the 7,000 to 9,000 cases per year the state averaged between 2016 and 2024. 'California had a record year for Valley fever in 2024 and, so far, case counts are high in 2025. Valley fever is a serious illness that's here to stay in California,' said Erica Pan, director of the state public health department. Officials say the current count is likely to be revised upward as there are often delays in reporting. Valley fever is most prevalent in the San Joaquin Valley and southern part of the state where the fungus, Coccidioides, thrives in dry, arid soil. Case numbers are also climbing in the northern Central Valley, though, and along the state's Central Coast. Researchers speculate the rise is tied to patterns of drought and precipitation. Periods of severe drought followed by wet winter and dry summer seem to coincide with more people getting sick. They also suspect climate change has expanded the fungi's range into areas where it was previously rare. For instance, since 2023, Monterey County's case numbers have exploded. There were 47 cases in 2023 and 348 this year as of July 31. Cases also doubled since 2023 in Contra Costa, Fresno, San Luis Obispo and Merced counties. People contract Valley fever by inhaling the Coccidioides spores, released when wind, wildfire, tractors, bulldozers, digging or even dancing disturbs the soil. Last year, at least 19 people who attended Lightning in a Bottle, a five-day music and art festival held at Buena Vista lake in Kern County, got sick — including several with pneumonia-like symptoms, rashes, headaches and exhaustion. But most people infected won't get symptoms and will fight off the infection naturally. Those who do feel sick may be hard-pressed to know what they have, since the symptoms are similar to COVID or the flu, further complicating efforts to address the disease. 'We want to remind Californians, travelers to California and their healthcare providers to watch for signs and symptoms of Valley fever to help detect it early,' Pan said. In rare cases, the fungus can spread to other parts of the body and cause severe disease or death. Valley fever is not contagious. Pan urged people to seek help from a medical provider if they've had a cough, fever, trouble breathing and tiredness for more than 7 to 10 days — especially if they've been outdoors in dusty air in the Central Valley or Central Coast regions. Pets are also susceptible. Health officials said people can reduce their risk while traveling in the San Joaquin Valley and much of the southwestern United States by staying indoors and keeping doors and windows closed when it's windy; keeping car windows closed and using recirculated air instead of fresh; wetting soil before digging or disrupting; and wearing a properly fitted N95 mask if the outdoors can't be avoided.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Valley fever cases are expected to spike in California. Here's how locals, hikers and tourists can avoid it
For the second year in a row, California is on track to have a record-breaking number of valley fever cases, which public health officials say are driven by longer, drier summers. There have been more than 4,000 cases of valley fever reported statewide from January to April, an increase of more than 3,000 cases compared with the same period in 2024 and 2,000 more cases than in 2023, according to the California Department of Public Health. Last year's recording breaking number of cases reached a total of 12,605; in 2023 there were more than 9,000 cases. Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection that people get when they breathe in spores of the fungus, coccidioides, that lives in dry soil, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Spores of the fungus that grow in the dry soil are released into the air when the soil is disturbed by wind, construction and other activities. The fungus is found in the Pacific Northwest and Southwest United States, parts of Mexico, Central America and South America. Last year in Kern County, the music festival Lightning in a Bottle became a hot spot for the disease after 19 people reported contracting valley fever, with several people experiencing severe symptoms, including pneumonia-like conditions, rashes, headaches and exhaustion. Valley fever cases commonly increase statewide in late summer and decline in the winter, however state public health officials say the onset of valley fever transmission is starting earlier and lasting longer. Read more: Pasadena resident tests positive for whooping cough after visiting children's museum UC Berkeley researchers say climate change is expected to lead to drier spring and fall seasons and heavier winter rains. The prolonged dry seasons can extend the periods of high-risk exposure to valley fever. Valley fever is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms (cough, fever and chest pains) are similar to other infectious diseases, which can make it difficult for health officials to accurately report the number of cases. The number of valley fever cases so far this year is trending toward a new record but public health officials say it's still too early in the year to determine whether this will be a record breaker. Here are some precautions to help locals, hikers and tourists in counties with high numbers of reported valley fever cases to avoid the disease this summer. Public health officials in Fresno County, which includes a section of the John Muir Trail, share the following cautionary tips for hikers: Stay on well-maintained trails and avoid activities that kick up dust such as digging or biking off-path. Consider wearing a properly fitted N95 mask when hiking in dusty or dry conditions. Avoid hiking during windy days or right after a disturbance that may increase dust in the air. Clean any skin wounds well with soap and water, especially if they have been exposed to soil or dust. For anyone who lives, works or travels in an area where valley fever fungus grows, the CDC recommends: Stay indoors when it's windy outside and the air is dusty. On windy days, keep windows and doors closed to prevent dust and possible spores from entering the home. When driving through a dusty area, keep car windows closed and use recirculating air, if possible. Before digging, wet down soil and dirt to prevent stirring up dust into the air. Consider wearing a properly fitted N95 mask if you must be in dusty air outdoors in these areas. Read more: Deadly, drug-resistant fungus CDC calls 'urgent threat' is spreading in hospitals Those who spend a lot of time outdoors and are exposed to dirt and dust in areas where valley fever is common are more likely to contract the disease, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. That includes construction workers, farmers, military workers and archaeologists. People who live and work near dry and dusty areas are also at risk of being exposed to valley fever. People who have an increased risk of contracting the disease include: Adults 60 years and older. Those who have diabetes or health conditions that weaken the immune system, which include cancer, HIV, autoimmune illnesses, those with an organ transplant or who are receiving chemotherapy or steroids. Pregnant women, especially those in the later stages of pregnancy. Children who are 5 years old and younger. Those who are of Black, Latino, Native American or Filipino decent, although experts say they don't have a clear answer on why these groups of people are more susceptible. The fungus infects the lungs and can cause respiratory symptoms that include: Cough Fever Chest pain Fatigue Difficulty breathing Muscle or joint pain Night sweats Weight loss Rash While Valley fever shares many of the same symptoms as other respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, it takes about one to three weeks for valley fever symptoms to develop, and the illness can last a month or more. Read more: SoCal officials unleash sterile mosquitoes in bid to curb disease — with promising results Some people with valley fever may experience only mild symptoms that get better in a few weeks so treatment won't be necessary, according to Los Angeles County public health officials. However, there are others who will have symptoms that last a month or longer and may need treatment depending on their doctor's consultation. In rare severe cases, the disease can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body. The disease is usually diagnosed with a blood test. If you test negative for COVID-19 and have respiratory symptoms that last more than a week, and live in or have recently traveled to an area where valley fever is more common, public health officials suggest you talk to a doctor. Because valley fever affects each person differently, treatment will be determined based on the severity of the disease. The disease is often treated with antifungal medications. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
29-05-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Valley fever cases are expected to spike in California. Here's how locals, hikers and tourists can avoid it
For the second year in a row, California is on track to have a record-breaking number of valley fever cases, which public health officials say are driven by longer, drier summers. There have been more than 4,000 cases of valley fever reported statewide from January to April, an increase of more than 3,000 cases compared with the same period in 2024 and 2,000 more cases than in 2023, according to the California Department of Public Health. Last year's recording breaking number of cases reached a total of 12,605; in 2023 there were more than 9,000 cases. Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection that people get when they breathe in spores of the fungus, coccidioides, that lives in dry soil, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Spores of the fungus that grow in the dry soil are released into the air when the soil is disturbed by wind, construction and other activities. The fungus is found in the Pacific Northwest and Southwest United States, parts of Mexico, Central America and South America. Last year in Kern County, the music festival Lightning in a Bottle became a hot spot for the disease after 19 people reported contracting valley fever, with several people experiencing severe symptoms, including pneumonia-like conditions, rashes, headaches and exhaustion. Valley fever cases commonly increase statewide in late summer and decline in the winter, however state public health officials say the onset of valley fever transmission is starting earlier and lasting longer. UC Berkeley researchers say climate change is expected to lead to drier spring and fall seasons and heavier winter rains. The prolonged dry seasons can extend the periods of high-risk exposure to valley fever. Valley fever is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms (cough, fever and chest pains) are similar to other infectious diseases, which can make it difficult for health officials to accurately report the number of cases. The number of valley fever cases so far this year is trending toward a new record but public health officials say it's still too early in the year to determine whether this will be a record breaker. Here are some precautions to help locals, hikers and tourists in counties with high numbers of reported valley fever cases to avoid the disease this summer. Public health officials in Fresno County, which includes a section of the John Muir Trail, share the following cautionary tips for hikers: For anyone who lives, works or travels in an area where valley fever fungus grows, the CDC recommends: Those who spend a lot of time outdoors and are exposed to dirt and dust in areas where valley fever is common are more likely to contract the disease, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. That includes construction workers, farmers, military workers and archaeologists. People who live and work near dry and dusty areas are also at risk of being exposed to valley fever. People who have an increased risk of contracting the disease include: The fungus infects the lungs and can cause respiratory symptoms that include: While Valley fever shares many of the same symptoms as other respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, it takes about one to three weeks for valley fever symptoms to develop, and the illness can last a month or more. Some people with valley fever may experience only mild symptoms that get better in a few weeks so treatment won't be necessary, according to Los Angeles County public health officials. However, there are others who will have symptoms that last a month or longer and may need treatment depending on their doctor's consultation. In rare severe cases, the disease can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body. The disease is usually diagnosed with a blood test. If you test negative for COVID-19 and have respiratory symptoms that last more than a week, and live in or have recently traveled to an area where valley fever is more common, public health officials suggest you talk to a doctor. Because valley fever affects each person differently, treatment will be determined based on the severity of the disease. The disease is often treated with antifungal medications.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
As Tariff Turbulence Rattles Global Markets, Gap International Launches "Lightning in a Bottle" to Help Executives Deliver Absurdly Ambitious Results Amidst Uncertain Markets
PHILADELPHIA, May 29, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With tariffs disrupting global supply chains and inflation squeezing margins, business leaders face mounting pressure to do more with less. In response, Gap International—a global performance consulting firm known for transforming how executives think and operate—has launched its boldest campaign to date: "Lightning in a Bottle." Designed for C-suite leaders navigating economic uncertainty, the campaign is a high-voltage call to break from conventional strategies and pursue what Gap International calls Absurdly Ambitious Results—outcomes that defy the odds and redefine what's possible. "We've seen firsthand what's possible when leaders align their teams around bold visions and build organizations wired for breakthrough performance. 'Lightning in a Bottle' is our call to those leaders ready to think differently and deliver unprecedented outcomes," said Pontish Yeramyan, CEO of Gap International. As tariffs, geopolitical instability, and labor shortages challenge global growth, Gap International's consulting approach is helping companies rewire their thinking and unlock performance breakthroughs—no matter the market conditions. According to Forrester, most companies face a 70% failure rate in major initiatives. Gap International attributes this high failure rate to a lack of attention regarding the people and mindsets involved in the change process. Their methodology focuses on unlocking untapped human potential as a key driver of sustained performance. Real world results include: Increasing manufacturing output by 40%—with no added production lines Boosting on-time delivery from 45% to 80% Growing operating profit from 4% to 25% over six years Generating 28% revenue growth in a single year The firm's proprietary methodology addresses urgent executive challenges like: Overcoming Resistance to Change: Equipping leaders to shift thinking and drive alignment Breaking Communication Silos: Establishing a shared language that drives clarity and action Conquering Innovation: Making transformation sustainable—not situational Executives are invited to learn more at About Gap International Gap International is a global performance consulting firm that has helped organizations deliver extraordinary results for over 40 years and has operated in 68 countries with a 90% client repeat rate. Gap International empowers companies to shift mindsets, align leadership, and spark enterprise-wide transformation to achieve results once thought impossible. View source version on Contacts FFI: Samantha Dawkins, Gap Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
