Valley Fever Awareness Month

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What You Need to Know

Summer in Southern California brings sunshine, outdoor fun—and a hidden health risk few expect: Valley Fever. With Valley Fever Awareness Month, this is a great time to learn how to recognize it, reduce your risk, and protect your loved ones. 

What is Valley Fever?

Valley Fever, or coccidioidomycosis (“cocci”) is an infection caused by breathing in a fungus that lives in the soil of dry, dusty areas. When soil is disturbed, tiny fungal spores can become airborne and be inhaled.

 This fungus is found in parts of: 

• Central and Southern California
• Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Southeast Washington
• Mexico, Central America, and South America

Who is at Risk?

Anyone who lives, works, or spends time in areas where the fungus is common can get Valley Fever. Certain activities and conditions increase the risk:

• People who work outdoors or disturb soil such as:
  • Construction crews, agricultural workers, firefighters, geologists, military personnel
• Outdoor enthusiasts, including:  
  • dirt bikers, ATV riders, hikers
• Certain groups are at higher risk of developing more severe illnesses including:
  • People of African American or Filipino descent Individuals with weakened immune systems
  • People with diabetes
  • Older adults

Real Stories: Valley Fever Hits Close to Home

Valley Fever can feel distant—until it impacts someone close to home. Here are examples showing how varied and unexpected exposures can be:

• Central Valley Resident: One woman living in the Central Valley—an area where Valley Fever is common—began experiencing a lingering cough and worsening fatigue over several weeks. Although she spent most of her time indoors, caring for animals and occasional outdoor work created exposure. After multiple medical visits, she was finally diagnosed more than a month after symptoms began.
• First Responder Experiences: Local first responders have faced Valley Fever firsthand. While responding to cleanup efforts related to earthquake aftermath, wildfires across the state or in other states, first responders - have been known to develop Valley Fever. Several have reported long delays before receiving a correct diagnosis, highlighting how easy Valley Fever is to miss. 
• A Severe Case: A Filipina woman in her 40s developed confusion, severe headaches, neck stiffness, and fever. She was initially treated for bacterial meningitis, but her condition worsened and she required specialized hospital care. Tests eventually revealed Valley Fever affecting her brain and spinal cord. Despite months of treatment, her illness was extremely severe, and she tragically passed away.

These stories are a reminder that Valley Fever can affect anyone—especially when activities or conditions stir up dusty soil where the fungus lives.

How Does It Spread?

When soil is disturbed, tiny fungal spores become airborne. Breathing them in can lead to infection in the lungs—and sometimes, other organs. Valley Fever is not contagious; you can’t catch it from another person.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms usually appear 1–4 weeks after exposure and may include:

• Fatigue
• Cough
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Rash
• Headaches
• Joint aches
• Night sweats

Most people (about 60%) have mild or no symptoms. For others, symptoms can linger and may require medical treatment.

How Serious is Valley Fever?

Many infections are mild, but certain groups can develop severe or widespread disease. People of African or Filipino descent, older adults, those with diabetes, and individuals with weakened immune systems should receive treatment even for mild infection.

Severe or “disseminated” Valley Fever is rare but very serious. It can affect the brain (causing meningitis), bones, skin, or other organs and often requires lifelong treatment.

Why Is Valley Fever Often Missed?

Valley Fever can look like other types of pneumonia, but antibiotics do not help because it’s caused by a fungus. If symptoms persist, especially after dust exposure or travel to affected areas, ask your healthcare provider about Valley Fever. Blood tests, imaging, and a detailed exposure history help confirm the diagnosis.

Valley Fever in California

Cases are rising statewide. Wildfires disturb soil and create dust, increasing risks to those in affected areas where coccidiomycosis spores are in the soil. First responders and outdoor workers returning from endemic areas should be evaluated for Valley Fever if they develop symptoms.

Protect Yourself

• Avoid dusty areas, when possible, especially during windy conditions.
  • On windy and dusty days, keep windows and doors closed.
  • When driving through dusty areas, keep car windows closed and use recirculated air.
  • Control dust in your yard by covering open dirt areas with grass, plants or other ground cover.
• Wear a mask or respirator if you work or play outdoors in endemic regions.
• Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms after dust exposure.

Valley Fever is a part of life in many areas of California—but awareness and early care can make a big difference. As you enjoy the season, stay informed, take precautions, and look out for friends and family who may be at risk.

Learn More

For more information, visit the California Department of Public Health - Valley Fever is in California. 

Other resources

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Valley Fever  

California Department of Industrial Relations - Protection from Valley Fever

Centers for Disease Control - Valley Fever  

Centers for Disease Control - Cocci Outbreak Among Wildland Firefighters

About Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong
Regina Chinsio-Kwong, DO (Dr. CK) is the County Health Officer for the OC Health Care Agency, where Dr. CK leads efforts to protect and improve community health. A board‑certified family physician with experience in primary care, integrative medicine, and Navy medicine Dr. CK transitioned from clinical practice to public health during the COVID‑19 pandemic and helped direct Orange County’s mass vaccination response. Dr. CK continues to focus on prevention and strengthening partnerships with clinicians and community organizations.

About Dr. Helene M. Calvet
Dr. Helene M. Calvet received her MD from UCLA and is board-certified in both internal medicine and infectious diseases. She has worked in the field of public health for over 25 years, having served in Long Beach as Health Officer and TB controller and in Orange County as Deputy Health Officer. Most recently, she worked in COVID response, leading a team that dealt with more than 500 outbreaks in Long Term Care Facilities, but since 2022, she has focused on TB Control. 

Currently, she serves as TB Controller and Medical Director of the TB Control Program in Orange County, and as TB Clinician in the Long Beach Health Department. She has published several articles, served on two Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Expert Panels and taught providers throughout Region IX and in 6 countries on public health topics.