Latest news with #ValleyFever
CBS News
4 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Why health officials say Tracy is an area of concern as Valley fever cases rise
Health officials are trying to help spread awareness as 2025 is shaping up to be the perfect storm for Valley fever cases. Just two years ago, according to the California Department of Public Health, there were a total of 47 confirmed Valley fever cases in San Joaquin County. This year? As of Thursday, there are already 246 Valley fever cases – and officials say that number could be underreported. "My illness started with a headache and it didn't go away," said Robert Purdie, a survivor of Valley fever. Purdie says he contracted the fungal infection back in 2012 from something as simple as tending to his plants. "The only time I spent outdoors was gardening or yard work, and that's probably where it came from: Just being outside," he said. Valley fever, otherwise known as coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection from a fungus that has entered the airways in the body. It grows underneath the soil. "When we dig up the dirt or there's a really windy day, we could inhale the dust that contains the spores," said Dr. Maggie Park with San Joaquin County Public Health. Places like Tracy are areas of top concern. With new homes breaking ground, agriculture nearby and windy conditions, it's the perfect storm for Valley fever to thrive. Dr. Park is sounding the alarm now, trying to get ahead of the curve as cases rise. "We saw a really difficult season in the '23 - '24 winter time, but this '24 into '25 season was even worse. It starts to rise in the fall, but really peaks going into the winter," she said. So far in 2025, San Joaquin County has nearly 250 cases of Valley fever. Purdie and Dr. Park say, if you feel at all sick and you're not better after a week, consider getting tested for Valley fever. "It took them six weeks to diagnose me, and at that point, I had meningitis from Valley fever. I spent four weeks in the hospital," Purdie said. "I'm on medication for the rest of my life; this is not something that goes away." Health officials say the best way to prevent Valley fever is to wear an N95 mask if you're outdoors, especially if you work around a lot of dust and dirt.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists sound alarm over growing threat of drug-resistant respiratory infections: 'It's really hard to get rid of'
Scientists sound alarm over growing threat of drug-resistant respiratory infections: 'It's really hard to get rid of' As global temperatures rise, deadly fungal infections may also increase. What's happening? A report by TriplePundit highlighted the link between changing weather patterns and the spread of disease-causing fungi, such as coccidioides, which causes valley fever, and aspergillus, which harms the respiratory system. Valley fever is a lung infection most commonly found in warm, dry climates. It is caused by the spores of the coccidioides fungi, which "grow in dry soils and are kicked up with dust," according to TriplePundit. The publication noted that although most people fully recover from the flu-like symptoms, 5% to 10% of those infected develop serious long-term lung problems. Changing climates impact the speed at which these harmful fungi species can reproduce. Kathleen Treseder, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, told TriplePundit, "In the case of some fungal diseases like Valley Fever, the fungi do better at hotter, drier climate conditions." "As climate change is pushing ecosystems in that direction, the fungi do better," she added. Why are these fungal diseases concerning? Although valley fever is most commonly seen in the Southwest and more arid parts of the Pacific Northwest, the report stated that it "could move into the plains across states like Kansas and Nebraska, reaching as far north as the border with Canada." Rising temperatures and increasing droughts create the perfect breeding ground for this fungus. While the presence of more harmful fungi is an issue for everyone, it is especially bad news for people who haven't had previous exposure to the mold, making them less immune to fungal diseases. Do you worry about air pollution in your town? All the time Often Only sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Most people recover from valley fever, but it can cause disfigurement or death if it goes untreated. The treatment for this fungal infection can cost upward of $30,000, which is a huge amount of money for most families in America. Additionally, Treseder likened the treatment of valley fever to chemotherapy. "It's really hard to get rid of Valley Fever once you've got it, because fungi are actually pretty closely related to humans," she said. Damaging them inside the body harms our own cells. Plus, the disease can be extremely harmful or fatal for dogs. What's being done about fungal diseases? In areas at risk of these infectious fungi, scientists are asking the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to make it mandatory to report disease cases. By examining climate forecasts, the CDC can alert medical professionals and hospitals in at-risk areas ahead of time. Although no vaccines currently exist to prevent these diseases, some are in development for humans and dogs. The discovery that changing climates can increase the risk of fungal diseases may lead to scientific breakthroughs, which will hopefully bring us one step closer to a cleaner, healthier future for all. If you live somewhere where valley fever occurs, the best way to prevent the spread of the disease is to avoid kicking up dust and releasing harmful spores. Dampening any soil before sporting events or gardening is an effective way to prevent the spread 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. Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
24-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Loma Linda Children's Hospital doctors note spike in Valley Fever cases
Health officials say number of Valley Fever cases in children are rising in Inland Empire Health officials say number of Valley Fever cases in children are rising in Inland Empire Health officials say number of Valley Fever cases in children are rising in Inland Empire Health officials at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital say that they have noticed a spike in pediatric cases of Valley Fever in recent months. Valley Fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection that is caused by inhaling spores of the Coccidioides fungus, which lives in the soil. It is typically found in the soil of arid and semi-arid climates in both North and South America. Symptoms usually mimic those of the flu, doctors said. From January to April, a report from the California Department of Public Health shows more than 4,000 cases, and Loma Linda doctors say that youth cases are up from the average, with five to 10 cases per month since the start of the year. "While many people experience mild or no symptoms, it can cause serious respiratory illness and, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body," said a statement from hospital officials. The fungus can be spread when soil is disturbed and one breathes in dust. In severe cases, the infection can lead to chronic lung disease or disseminated disease, meaning it spreads to other parts of the body. Doctors say that it is not contagious, however, and cannot be spread between people or animals.
New European
20-05-2025
- Science
- New European
Critical mass: Why is Trump's America anti-science?
Simply, thousands of scientists and their projects are finding themselves without federal funds, or soon will. Even those whose grants survive will face intense scrutiny of their compliance with the agency's 'new standards'. To put it another way: American science is facing collapse. The dismantling of US science continues apace. The latest blow is massive cuts to the budget of the National Science Foundation (NSF), which provides funding for just about all areas of science in the country. Incredibly, it seems the Trump administration plans to allow NSF to fund just five areas of science, identified as priorities: artificial intelligence, quantum information science, biotechnology, nuclear energy, and translational science (which converts basic research into applications of human benefit, especially in health). Previously the NSF had 37 divisions, along with an annual budget of $4bn. Trump wants to cut that by 55%. It's no surprise that many US scientists are looking abroad to continue their research. Some have already moved; others are drawing up plans or exploring options. In a survey conducted by the journal Nature in March, 75% of the 1,600 US researchers polled said they were considering moving their research out of the country. Of course it's unlikely that anything like that proportion will do so, but the number is worth repeating: despite the immense personal and professional disruption entailed, an astonishing three in four consider that it might be worth the pain. Unsurprisingly, many of those are early-career researchers. Who can blame them? 'This is a critical moment in our careers, and it's been thrown into turmoil in a matter of weeks,' said one young researcher in the Nature poll, who has had his grant cancelled and is now looking for work in Canada. 'Don't want to leave, but what's the alternative?', asked another. Science magazine has presented heartbreaking profiles of younger researchers whose futures currently seem in ruins. One, investigating how social factors influence the healthcare that women in racially diverse communities receive for breast and cervical cancer, has had grants abruptly terminated. 'I feel like it's kind of a personal attack against me [and] the work that I'm doing', she said. Another, working on the lung disease Valley Fever, which kills thousands of Americans each year, has had her postdoctoral position terminated. She is now looking for a position in Europe or Canada, which will mean leaving behind friends, networks and family. 'It's like I have to choose between my life and my career,' she said. The jobs platform run by Nature Careers has 32% more applications for jobs abroad submitted by US researchers between January and March 2025 than during the same period in 2024. Europe is an obvious destination, and European governments seem eager not to pass up the opportunity. While some have publicly deplored the assaults on US science, they can't be blind to the potential benefit of an influx of expertise. In March, ministers from 13 countries including France, Germany, Spain and Austria signed a letter to the European Commission calling for it to welcome 'brilliant talents from abroad who might suffer from research interference and ill-motivated and brutal funding cuts'. Several universities in France, Belgium and elsewhere have pledged new funds for postdocs, PhD students and others, open to all international scientists, but clearly aimed at the US. The UK will soon announce a £50m scheme of grants and relocation funds for international researchers. It isn't mere opportunism to capitalise on a US brain drain; there is a genuine wish to offer solidarity and succour to those who can legitimately be considered academic refugees. The resonances with the way the UK, US and Scandinavian countries sought positions for Jewish scientists leaving Nazi Germany when Hitler's racial laws excluded them from academic life in the mid-1930s are unmistakable. In a poignant turnaround, the German Max Planck Society, the government-funded agency that runs 84 research institutes throughout the country, has launched a transatlantic programme that, among other things, will provide posts for young US researchers in its institutes. Even China has been posting messages on social media encouraging US scientists to 'pursue career development and entrepreneurship in Shenzhen'. US science has long led the world. 'Right now, however, the administration seems hell-bent on damaging, rather than fostering, this crucial source of American strength,' says former MIT president Rafael Reif. As national self-harm goes, it's right up there with Brexit.
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
