Humans and animals can contract Valley Fever. Most cases have no symptoms (which is why diagnosis can be difficult) while others may take months and even sometimes over a year to manifest. Those diagnosed with Valley Fever frequently complain of fatigue and joint aches that can last for months. The chronic forms of Valley Fever may last years.
How do you get Valley Fever?
Valley Fever develops when the airborne spores of the Coccidioides fungus are inhaled. The spores are carried in dust particles from the soil by the wind when the desert soil is disturbed. Anyone who lives, visits, or travels through the areas where the fungus grows in the soil may acquire Valley Fever. It’s difficult to prevent exposure in areas where it’s common in the environment, but the risk is lowered by avoiding breathing in large amounts of dust if you are in these areas.
