One to three weeks after inhaling the fungus spores, valley fever symptoms may start to manifest.
According to a study published in GeoHealth, valley fever, a fungal infection that is most frequently seen in the Southwest of the United States, is now expected to expand east, throughout the Great Plains, and even north to the Canadian border due of climate change.
The desert-like soils will sort of expand as the temperatures rise and the western half of the United States stays quite dry; these drier conditions could allow coccidioides to live in new places, according to Morgan Gorris, who oversaw the GeoHealth study while at the University of California, Irvine.
Here is the information you need to know about valley fever while the sickness is still being identified outside of the Southwest.
Valley Fever
Valley fever is an infection brought on by breathing in tiny spores of the fungus Coccidioides, and is frequently seen in the Southwest because of the area’s hot, dry environment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 97% of the 20,000 cases of valley fever documented in 2019 occurred in Arizona and California.
People 60 years of age and older often experience the greatest rates.
The majority of folks who inhale the spores do not become ill, but those who do usually recover on their own within a few weeks or months; nevertheless, some will need antifungal medicine.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of valley fever normally show one to three weeks after inhaling the fungus’ spores and continue for a few weeks to months.
Of those who have valley fever, 5% to 10% will experience significant or persistent pulmonary issues.
These signs include: fatigue, cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, night sweats, muscle aches or joint pain, and rash on upper body or legs.
Diagnosed
The most frequent method for diagnosing valley fever is a blood test, but to rule out valley fever pneumonia, doctors may also use imaging tests such chest X-rays or CT scans.
If they reside in or are visiting areas where valley fever is prevalent, those who are more likely to get seriously ill from the disease, such as those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, people with diabetes, and Black or Filipino people, are advised to avoid inhaling large amounts of dust.
Other Reports, Prevention
The following are some common sense strategies to ward from contracting Valley fever. It’s crucial to understand that despite being advised, these measures haven’t been shown to stop Valley fever.
Avoid going to dusty places, such as construction or excavation sites. If you can’t avoid them, protect your face while you’re there by using a N95 respirator (a form of face mask).
When there is a dust storm, stay indoors and shut the windows. Avoid yard labor, gardening, and other tasks that require close contact with dirt or dust, such as digging. Use indoor air filtering techniques.
Skin infections can be prevented by thoroughly cleaning cuts and scrapes with soap and water, especially if the lesion was exposed to dirt or dust. Obtain preventative antifungal medicine from your doctor if they recommend it.
