My Account

Risk Factors For Valley Fever Or Coccidioidomycosis

luke-curtis
Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Coccidioidomycosis or Valley Fever is caused by the molds Coccidioidoes immitis or posadasii. Valley fever can be spread in the air, by skin/organ contact, or by sharp object penetration of the skin. Valley fever varies in severity depending upon size of the infection and health of the person. Valley fever infection can be asymptomatic, can cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, and muscle aches, and can be fatal in severe cases. 

Coccidioides infections occur mostly in regions where the mold is present in the soil including Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, Northern Mexico, and arid regions of South America (Johnson, Gaab et al. 2014).

A recent study in Antelope Valley in Northern Los Angeles County, NW San Bernardino County, and eastern Kern County in California examined the incidence of coccidioidomycosis between 1999 and 2014 (Colson, Vredenburgh et al. 2017).

This area has undergone extensive development during this period including the construction of many homes, businesses, roads, and solar farms. Such land development frequently caused dust storms and increased levels of airborne particulates (as measured by particulates smaller than 10 microns or PM10). In addition, strong Santa Ana winds can frequently cause dust to travel for hundreds of miles. A study of 42 dust samples in the Antelope Valley found that 17 (40%) were positive for presence of Coccidioides immitis. Analysis of coccidioidomycosis cases in north Los Angeles Country reported that increasing land use and increasing outdoor levels of small particulates (PM10) were significantly associated with higher number of cases of Valley Fever Cases/ coccidioidomycosis.
 

 {module FL-VOL1}


Many areas of the Southwestern USA have been undergoing cycles of long drought accompanied by occasional periods of heavy rain. Other research cited in the Colson paper have linked significantly higher levels of airborne Coccidioides and rates of human Coccocidioides infections with periods of wet winters coupled by dry summers- as compared period of long term wet periods or dry periods. The wet winters allow for large Coccidioides growth while the dry summers increase dusty conditions which spreads airborne Coccidioides spores. 

Dust control measurements during construction and soil moving operations and use of masks can be helpful in preventing inhalation and infection of Coccidioides.  
 

References / Sources

Johnson, L., et al. (2014). “Valley fever: danger lurking in a dust cloud.” Microbes Infect 16(8): 591-600.

Colson, A. J., et al. (2017). “Large-Scale Land Development, Fugitive Dust, and Increased Coccidioidomycosis Incidence in the Antelope Valley of California, 1999-2014.” Mycopathologia.

{flike}
 

Related Articles and videos
{module Related Articles}

{fcomments}

Share on Facebook
Share on Reddit
Share via Email
Share on Twitter

Leave a Reply

Recent Articles

Weekly Q&A Show

Featured Sponsor

Follow Us

Doug's Books

Doug Kaufmann has written many books that cover a full range or health issues. Find out which of his books best suits you by clicking the button below.

The Kaufmann Diet

Doug Kaufmann developed his diet after years studying the clinical effects of pathogenic fungi on the body. Fungi and yeasts can become parasitic organisms on and inside our body, causing health problems that can be difficult to diagnose. Learn more about the Kaufmann Diet, change your life and know the cause.

The Science of Fungus

We encourage all visitors to this site to take some time and study these technical articles prior to initiating lifestyle changes, including dietary changes and to do so with their physician’s awareness and approval. The articles posted in this link are scientific and with few exceptions are taken from medical journals familiar to healthcare workers.

Our Healthy Recipes

Looking for help assembling antifungal Kaufmann Diet approved recipes for breakfast, lunch or dinner? We have several videos, books and recipe write ups here on Know the Cause that will help your health journey. The recipes in this section are so good, you’ll feel like you’re indulging. No sacrifice needed! Enjoy.