In This Section
Raises awareness and implements measures to prevent and manage Valley Fever, protecting public health from this fungal respiratory infection.
Play ViewFinder: Deadly Dust - Valley Fever - KVIE
What is Valley Fever What is Valley Fever? Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, is disease caused by a fungus called Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii carried in the environment. When the fungi are carried in the wind as spores, they can become inhaled, causing Valley Fever. Fresno County’s geographical area is known to contain Coccidioides immitis in its soil. Coccidioides immitis is endemic to the Central Valley and the greater San Joaquin Valley, but Coccidioides posadasii also causes Valley Fever in other areas of the United States, including southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western Texas. Coccidioides posadasii is also endemic to certain regions in Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil. About 60% of people exposed will never develop symptoms; of the 40% of persons that will develop mild respiratory symptoms; about 15% of them will develop more serious disseminated disease. Persons at increased risk of becoming infected with Valley Fever in Fresno County include persons living or working outdoors in the Western Region of Fresno County. Anyone exposed to coccidioides fungal spores can become infected however African Americans, Filipinos, third-trimester pregnant females and immune-compromised people have a higher probability of developing more serious disseminated illness. The graphic is titled “West Fresno County: Areas of Elevated Valley Fever Activity.” A county map is divided into two color regions: the western and southwestern portion is yellow, representing elevated Valley Fever regions; the rest of the county appears in green. A light gray outline shows Fresno city limits, which sit east of the highlighted area. Labeled communities within or adjacent to the yellow region include Firebaugh (northwest), Mendota (west-central), Kerman (just west of Fresno’s city limits), Coalinga (southwest), and Huron (south-central). Major California highways are drawn with route shields and numbers, including 5 along the far west, 33 running through the southwest, 41 and 99 near Fresno, 145 crossing the central-west area, and 180 running east–west near Kerman and Fresno. A compass rose at the lower right indicates orientation (north at the top). A legend explains the symbols: yellow = Elevated Valley Fever Regions; gray outline = Fresno City Limits; and route shields for California Highways. Resources & Information Prevention Preventing Work-Related Valley Fever Traveling: Prevention Tips & Guidance OSHA Safety Recommendations for Workers in High Dust Occupations Research & Reports Point-Source outbreak of Valley Fever in construction workers FCDPH Data Medical Providers Quick Tips on Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) for Healthcare Providers California Medical Board Newsletter: Increase in Valley Fever, Spring 2013 CDC Coccidioidomycosis Information for Health Professionals Advice to Employers and Employees Regarding Work-related Valley Fever CDPH IDB Guidance for Managing Select Communicable Diseases - COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS
Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever, is disease caused by a fungus called Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii carried in the environment. When the fungi are carried in the wind as spores, they can become inhaled, causing Valley Fever. Fresno County’s geographical area is known to contain Coccidioides immitis in its soil. Coccidioides immitis is endemic to the Central Valley and the greater San Joaquin Valley, but Coccidioides posadasii also causes Valley Fever in other areas of the United States, including southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and western Texas. Coccidioides posadasii is also endemic to certain regions in Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil. About 60% of people exposed will never develop symptoms; of the 40% of persons that will develop mild respiratory symptoms; about 15% of them will develop more serious disseminated disease. Persons at increased risk of becoming infected with Valley Fever in Fresno County include persons living or working outdoors in the Western Region of Fresno County. Anyone exposed to coccidioides fungal spores can become infected however African Americans, Filipinos, third-trimester pregnant females and immune-compromised people have a higher probability of developing more serious disseminated illness.
The graphic is titled “West Fresno County: Areas of Elevated Valley Fever Activity.” A county map is divided into two color regions: the western and southwestern portion is yellow, representing elevated Valley Fever regions; the rest of the county appears in green. A light gray outline shows Fresno city limits, which sit east of the highlighted area. Labeled communities within or adjacent to the yellow region include Firebaugh (northwest), Mendota (west-central), Kerman (just west of Fresno’s city limits), Coalinga (southwest), and Huron (south-central). Major California highways are drawn with route shields and numbers, including 5 along the far west, 33 running through the southwest, 41 and 99 near Fresno, 145 crossing the central-west area, and 180 running east–west near Kerman and Fresno. A compass rose at the lower right indicates orientation (north at the top). A legend explains the symbols: yellow = Elevated Valley Fever Regions; gray outline = Fresno City Limits; and route shields for California Highways.