Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis) is primarily a disease of the lungs that is common in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is caused by the fungus Coccidioides spp., which grows in soils in areas of low rainfall, high summer temperatures, and moderate winter temperatures. These fungal spores become airborne when the soil is disturbed by winds, construction, farming and other activities.
In susceptible people and animals, infection occurs when a spore is inhaled. Within the lung tissue, the spore changes form into a larger, multi-cellular structure called a spherule. The spherule bursts, releasing endospores which develop into spherules. Valley Fever symptoms generally occur within three weeks of exposure. Valley Fever is not a contagious disease meaning it cannot be passed from person to person. Second infections of Valley Fever are rare. Most patients with Valley Fever recover with no treatment and will have life-long immunity. In severe cases, especially in those patients with rapid and extensive primary illness, those who are at risk for dissemination of disease, and those who have disseminated disease, anti-fungal drug therapy is used. The "azole" family of antifungal drugs are frequently used. These are oral preparations of ketoconazole, itraconazole and fluconazole. While much research is being done on the development of a preventative vaccine, at this time, there is no cure for Valley Fever. Please visit www.vfce.arizona.edu for more information and resources concerning Valley Fever.
