Valley fever has returned and California is once again the epicenter of this disease. Before it was not very common, but more and more cases are appearing in this State and it has gone from being a very rare disease to becoming a serious health problem.
Valley fever (or coccidioidomycosis, if we use its technical name) has increased by 1,200% in the last 25 years. Two decades ago barely 1,000 cases were recorded per year. Today they already exceed 12,500, an absolute terror.
What is Valley fever?
It is an infectious disease caused by a fungus, Coccidioides, that lives underground and that, with the right conditions, releases into the air spores that people breathe without realizing it, causing symptoms very similar to the flu. And these conditions for the fungus to proliferate are happening more and more because of climate change: drought, heavy rains, strong winds… what is already the new normal in many parts of the state.
“This kind of very wet and dry pattern definitely is perfect for this fungus to grow” Shaun Yang, the director for molecular microbiology and pathogen genomics at the UCLA Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
The worst, without a doubt, is the number of infections. While the illness heals on its own in most cases, children and people with other autoimmune diseases could end up in the hospital with serious complications.
Where does this disease come from?
From climate change. Yes, even if it sounds blunt it may be behind the increase in cases. More than 20 years ago this was considered a rare disease, but changes in temperatures, humidity, droughts and winds help the fungus spread its spores throughout the State.
The problem could get worse
Yes, since there are not only cases in California, if global warming continues at this level, the possibility of those spores reaching other places is more than possible, it could even reach Canada or Latin American countries.
What symptoms does it have?
At first it may look like a strong cold: fever, cough, tiredness, night sweats, muscle pain… But if it gets complicated, it can affect the lungs, bones, brain or even the skin. In the most severe cases, it requires taking antifungals for life, and in some hospitalized patients it can be fatal if not caught in time…
Who is at risk?
Older people, those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, those with weakened immune systems or pregnant women are more likely to suffer from it more severely. Also workers who are in direct contact with the soil, such as those in the fields or construction, especially in areas where the fungus is already known to circulate. So be careful!!
“When children get this kind of very severe [Valley fever,] it’s very devastating”
The big problem is that many cases are never diagnosed. It is estimated that for every detected case there may be between 10 and 18 that are not even recorded. That is why in areas like the San Joaquin Valley or Bakersfield, doctors are asking for specific tests when pneumonia does not improve as it should.
And now what?
Some say that part of the increase in cases is due to the fact that it is now diagnosed better than before. Could be. But that does not change the essential: infections are on the rise. But the reality is that the risk area could expand far beyond the United States, so we must protect the planet to protect ourselves!
Valley fever has gone from being something occasional in California to being the “new normal” so be very careful and if you belong to the risk groups, maybe it is better that you go out with a mask (even if that brings back Vietnam memories from when the pandemic).