17754 Valley Fever

Overview

Valley fever is an infection caused by breathing in a tiny fungus that lives in the soil in certain dry, dusty areas. It usually affects the lungs and can cause flu-like symptoms, but many people never feel sick.

It is common in certain parts of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America, especially during dry, dusty seasons.

Anyone who visits or lives in these dusty regions can get it. People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, older adults, and people with diabetes may have a higher risk of serious illness.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Cough
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Night sweats
• Muscle and joint aches
• Skin rash (usually on the legs or chest)

Symptoms in children

• Similar flu-like symptoms, often mild
• May include skin rashes
• Some children have no symptoms at all

Symptoms in older adults

• More severe breathing problems
• Confusion or drowsiness
• High fever that does not go down
• Worsening fatigue and weakness

Causes

Main causes

• Breathing in microscopic fungal spores from dust or soil in certain dry regions
• The fungus is not spread from person to person or from animals

Risk factors

• Living or traveling in desert areas such as Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, or Texas
• Working with soil or dust — for example, construction, farming, or archaeology
• Weakened immune system from conditions such as HIV, organ transplant, or certain medicines
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Being older
• Smoking

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have trouble breathing or chest pain
• You are coughing up blood
• You have a high fever that is not improving

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have had a cough, fever, or tiredness for more than two weeks
• You have joint aches or a rash after being in a dusty area
• You feel generally unwell after travel to an area where valley fever is common

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, travel history, and any time spent in dusty places. They listen to your lungs and may order tests.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to look for antibodies against the fungus
• Chest X-ray to check the lungs
• Sputum culture (testing the mucus you cough up)
• Sometimes a small fluid sample from the lungs

What to expect at your appointment

Most tests take a few days to a few weeks. While you wait, your doctor may suggest rest and supportive care. If your symptoms are severe, treatment may start before results are complete.

Treatment

Mild cases often get better without medicine. For more serious or lasting infections, doctors use antifungal medicines. The right treatment depends on your symptoms, your overall health, and whether the infection has spread.

Self-care at home

• Rest as much as your body tells you to
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Use over-the-counter fever reducers or pain relievers as directed by your pharmacist or doctor
• Avoid smoky or dusty environments while recovering

Medical treatments

Antifungal medicines are used for moderate to severe valley fever, for people at high risk, or when symptoms last a long time. Treatment may last for months or longer. Doctors decide which medicine is best based on your situation. It is important to take the full course exactly as prescribed even if you start feeling better.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be considered for a persistent lung cavity that bleeds or becomes infected, or for infection involving the bones or lining of the brain.

Living with this condition

Most people recover fully within a few weeks to months. While recovering, pace yourself and expect some tiredness. Follow up with your doctor if symptoms return or worsen.

Lifestyle tips

• Get enough rest and sleep
• Wear a mask if you must be in dusty areas
• Stay indoors during dust storms
• Keep windows and doors closed in dusty weather
• Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke

Diet and exercise

Eat balanced meals to support your immune system. Gentle activity like walking is fine when you feel up to it, but avoid strenuous exercise until your doctor gives the ok.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A long illness can feel frustrating. Fatigue and isolation can affect your mood. It is normal to feel anxious or down. Talk to your doctor if sadness or worry interferes with your daily life.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent valley fever, but you can lower your risk by avoiding dust in areas where the fungus lives.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for valley fever.

Screening programmes

No routine screening is used for valley fever. Testing is based on symptoms and exposure.

Complications

If left untreated

• Pneumonia
• Lung nodules or cavities
• Chronic lung infection lasting months
• Infection that spreads beyond the lungs — to the skin, bones, joints, or brain
• Inflammation around the brain (meningitis)

Long-term outlook

With proper care, most people recover completely. Even serious infections can be treated, especially when caught early. Your healthcare team will support you through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

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