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Valley Fever: What Is It and What Signs to Watch For

Woman sitting in an armchair covered with a blanket while touching her head as if she had a severe headache

Health & Wellness

With Valley fever cases rising on the U.S. West Coast, many people are asking what it is and how to recognize it. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand this illness.

What’s Valley Fever?

Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection caused by breathing in spores from a fungus found in soil. These spores are most common in dry, dusty areas. They often become airborne after heavy rain follows a long drought.

Common Symptoms

Not everyone who breathes in the spores gets sick. About 60 percent of people never develop symptoms. For those who do, signs usually appear one to three weeks after exposure. Symptoms often feel similar to COVID-19 or the flu.

Common symptoms include:

  • Feeling very tired or run down
  • Cough, fever, or headache
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain
  • Night sweats, sore muscles, or joint aches
  • A red or bumpy rash on your legs or upper body
  • In rare cases, spores entering through a cut or wound may cause a skin infection

How Does Valley Fever Spread?

It’s important to know that Valley fever isn’t contagious. You can’t catch it from another person or animal. The only way to get it is by breathing in spores directly from the environment.

Most people recover fully, but some can develop lasting lung issues. In rare instances, the infection spreads outside the lungs, affecting the bones, skin, or even the brain, and can lead to meningitis.

In California, cases are rising quickly. As of this summer, there are already more than 6,700 reported, with health officials expecting totals to pass last year’s record of nearly 12,500.

Even though we’re in South Florida, it’s important to stay aware. If you or someone you know travels to the U.S. West Coast and develops flu-like symptoms that linger, see a doctor and ask about Valley fever.