Welcome to the new website of the Valley Fever Center for Excellence. This website is a work in progress, and many pages have yet to be populated. Please check back with us frequently for new information.
The previous version of the website is still available and will remain so until the new site is fully functional.
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Local media and UA news articles about Valley Fever:
 Fifth Annual Valley Fever Awareness Week Presentation (Nov.13, 2007).
Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis) is primarily a disease of the lungs that is common in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is caused by the fungus Coccidioides sp., 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.
Valley Fever infections are more likely to occur during certain seasons. In Arizona, the highest prevalence of infections occurs June through July and from October through November. In California, the risk of infection is highest from June through November, without the late summer break.
It is estimated that there are about 150,000 infections in the southwestern U.S. each year. Approximately one-third of these results in a self-limited, although often protracted, respiratory illness. However, in a small percentage the illness is more serious and potentially lethal.
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Click image for larger map
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In susceptible people and animals, infection occurs when a spore is inhaled. Within the lung, the spore changes into a larger, multicellular structure called a spherule. The spherule grows and 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 is not passed from person to person. Second infections are rare.
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Many domestic and native animals are susceptible to the disease, including dogs, horses, cattle, sheep, burros, coyotes, rodents, bats and snakes. |
Valley Fever Center for Excellence,
Mail Stop 1-111(INF),
3601 S. 6th Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85723
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HOTLINE (520) 629-4777, FAX (520) 629-4738 |
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© 2003 The Arizona Board of Regents. All contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. |
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