Two-thirds of all U.S. Valley Fever infections are contracted in Arizona even though nationally, Valley Fever is uncommon and considered an orphan disease. The Arizona Board of Regents established the Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona to improve understanding, medical care, and research about this disease.
Announcements
New VFCE Membership Applications Available Now!
The 2024 application for VFCE Membership is now available! If you are not already a member, please fill out a new membership application. If you are an existing member, please renew your membership and make any necessary changes on the existing membership application.
Valley Fever Grand Rounds with Dr. Galgiani
Dr. Galgiani will be presenting "Valley fever: What can we do about it? Diagnosis, new treatments, and vaccines” at the Dept. of Medicine at COM-T Grand Rounds on April 24, 2024 at 12:00 pm. For more information about the event, such as how to join virtually and background on Dr. Galgiani's expertise, visit HERE.
Valley Fever Publication in New England Journal of Medicine
We are thrilled to tell you that Dr. Galgiani was just published in the esteemed New England Journal of Medicine! He co-authored a review article, "Coccidioidomycosis and Histoplasmosis in Immunocompetent Persons". We are so happy to see fungal diseases recognized in such a highly regarded journal and getting increased attention! To access the full publication, visit HERE. To read more about this publication and how we can use both of these fungi to learn more about Valley fever, visit HERE.
New Valley Fever Dashboard for Maricopa County Cases
Wanna see the lastest data for positive Valley fever cases in Maricopa county? Check it out HERE!
FAQs
Who gets Valley Fever?
Anyone who lives, visits, or travels through the areas where the fungus grows in the soil (these areas are called endemic) may acquire Valley Fever. People working in certain occupations such as construction, excavation, agricultural work, archaeological digging, or pursuing activities like biking or driving ATVs which disturb soil in endemic areas, may have an increased risk of exposure and disease. Earthquakes that have occurred in endemic areas of California have also resulted in increased cases of Valley Fever. Various domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and horses as well as wild animals are also susceptible.
Is Valley Fever contagious?
NO! Valley Fever is contracted only by the inhalation of the fungal spores. Valley Fever is NOT spread from human to human, or animal to animal, or animal to human or human to animal. The spores change form in tissues of the body and are not contagious in tissue form.
Does having Valley fever in the past make me more susceptible to contracting COVID-19?
There is no reason to believe that people who have had Valley Fever are at higher risk for contracting COVID-19 as Valley fever does not interfere with or weaken a person’s immune system. (May 2020)
Is Valley Fever contagious from animal to animal or animal to human?
Valley Fever is considered a noncontagious disease. Even if multiple animals or humans are affected in a household, each infection was acquired by inhaling spores from the soil. Coughing cannot spread it between animals or people.