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\nValley fever is a fungal lung infection that can be devastating. Learning about Valley fever can help you and your doctor recognize the symptoms early.
\nValley fever is an infection caused by a fungus that lives in the soil. About 10,000 cases are reported in the United States each year, mostly from Arizona and California. Valley fever can be misdiagnosed because its symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses. Here are some important things to know about Valley fever, also called coccidioidomycosis.
\nThe fungus that causes Valley fever, Coccidioides, is found in the southwestern United States, parts of Mexico and Central America, and parts of South America. The fungus has also been found in south-central Washington State. It probably lives in other areas in the western United States. People can get Valley fever by breathing in the microscopic fungus from the air in these areas. Valley fever does not spread from person to person.
\nKnown and suspected areas where the fungus that causes Valley fever lives in the United States
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Many people who are exposed to the fungus never have symptoms. Other people may have flu-like symptoms, including:
\nThe symptoms of Valley fever can be similar to those of other common illnesses, which may cause delays in getting patients correctly diagnosed and treated. For many people, symptoms will go away without any treatment, after weeks or months. Healthcare providers prescribe antifungal medication for some people to try to reduce symptoms or prevent the infection from getting worse. People who have severe lung infections or infections that have spread to other parts of the body always need antifungal treatment and may need to stay in the hospital.
\nAnyone who lives in or travels to an area where the fungus lives in the environment can get Valley fever. Valley fever can affect people of any age, but it\u2019s most common in adults age 60 and older. Additionally, certain groups of people may be at higher risk for developing the severe forms of Valley fever, such as:
\nIn areas where Valley fever is common, it\u2019s difficult to completely avoid exposure to the fungus because it is in the environment. There is no vaccine to prevent infection. That\u2019s why knowing about Valley fever is one of the most important ways to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. People who have Valley fever symptoms and live in or have visited an area where the fungus is common should ask their doctor to test them for Valley fever. Healthcare providers should be aware that Valley fever symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory illnesses and should consider testing for Valley fever in patients with flu-like symptoms who live in or have traveled to an area where Coccidioides lives.
\nJoin CDC in sharing information to increase awareness in your community about fungal diseases during Fungal Disease Awareness Week, September 23\u201327, 2019.
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