Valley Fever: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
With the number of cases reaching the highest point in a decade, it is crucial for doctors to ensure that you are aware of the signs to look out for, particularly with friends and family planning to visit during the holiday season.
So far this year, the Arizona Department of Health Services has recorded over 14,000 cases of valley fever.
Valley fever, caused by a fungal infection, is not contagious. However, it is frequently misdiagnosed and can lead to severe illness.
Many people tend to dismiss it as just another virus, often even doctors, because its symptoms are similar to those of the flu or COVID-19.
Dr. Wassim Ballan, an infectious disease specialist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, highlighted the common scenario where individuals visit from out of state and later return home only to be diagnosed with valley fever. He stated, “That’s not an unusual situation where we have people visiting from out of state, and they go back to their home state, and then they develop an illness that ends up being diagnosed as valley fever.”
Ballan is urging Arizonans to educate their visiting loved ones about the illness.
According to Ballan, it is quite surprising to see that there is an awareness of valley fever beyond the borders of Arizona. This is something that people should be mindful of.
Valley fever is caused by a fungus that is found exclusively in the soil of the southwestern region.
According to data from the CDC, cases of valley fever tend to increase during periods of hot and dry weather. It is worth noting that the Phoenix area has not received any rainfall in several months.
According to Ballan, the fungus releases spores into the air which are then inhaled into the lungs.
According to Ballan, approximately 40% of individuals who become infected experience symptoms, which have the potential to deteriorate over time.
“They go to the doctor for medical treatment. The doctors diagnose them with pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia, so they begin taking antibiotics. However, they don’t show any improvement. Consequently, they are put on a different set of antibiotics, and the cycle continues,” explained Ballan.
According to him, a large number of individuals are not familiar with valley fever, particularly if they are not from Arizona or have recently relocated to the area.
One Valley resident, Michael, experienced this firsthand while he was hiking on Friday.
“I haven’t been here for very long, only about 18 months, so there’s still plenty for me to learn, I suppose,” he remarked.
According to Ballan, it is crucial to remain vigilant during the holiday season.
Dr. Smith emphasized the importance of vaccination as a preventive measure against respiratory infections, including valley fever. He highlighted that since the symptoms of valley fever can resemble those of other respiratory infections, it is crucial to take necessary precautions.
Valley fever can be contracted by anyone, not just those who hike or spend time in the desert. The disease is airborne, making it possible for anyone to be exposed.
Treatment for valley fever involves the use of antifungal medications.
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