Valley Fever – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Valley fever is an infection caused by fungi found in soil. When people breathe in the spores, they can get sick. The good news is that mild cases often get better without any treatment.
For more serious cases, doctors use antifungal medications. These medicines help fight the infection and relieve symptoms. Common antifungal drugs include fluconazole, itraconazole, and in severe cases, amphotericin B.
Besides medications, doctors might recommend:
- Rest: Give your body time to recover.
- Fluids: Staying hydrated helps your immune system fight the infection.
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medicines can reduce fever and discomfort.
Your doctor will choose the right treatment based on how severe your symptoms are and your overall health. Some people need treatment for months, while others recover more quickly.
Signs and Health Effects
Early Valley Fever
Valley fever is the first stage of a fungal infection. Many people who get infected have mild symptoms or none at all. When symptoms do appear, they usually start 1-3 weeks after breathing in the fungal spores.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Feeling very tired
- Trouble breathing
- Headaches
- Chills and night sweats
- Muscle and joint pain
- Red, spotty rash (mainly on the legs)
Some people never know they have valley fever until it shows up on a later test or when small spots called nodules appear on a chest X-ray. These spots don’t usually cause problems but can look like cancer.
Recovery time varies greatly. Some people get better in weeks, while others may take months. Tiredness and joint pain can last even longer. How sick you get depends on your health and how many fungal spores you breathed in.
Long-lasting Infection
Sometimes valley fever doesn’t go away completely and turns into a long-term lung infection. People with weak immune systems face higher risk for this problem.
Look for these signs:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Fever | Low-grade, persistent |
| Weight | Unexplained loss |
| Cough | Ongoing, may worsen |
| Chest pain | Can be severe |
| Sputum | May contain blood |
| Lung changes | Nodules visible on X-rays |
Widespread Infection
The most dangerous form happens when the infection spreads beyond the lungs to other body parts. This is rare but serious. The infection can reach the skin, bones, liver, brain, heart, and the protective covering around the brain and spinal cord.
Symptoms depend on which body parts are affected:
- Skin Problems: Nodules, ulcers or lesions that are more serious than the initial rash.
- Bone Pain: Painful spots in the skull, spine or other bones.
- Joint Issues: Swelling and pain, especially in knees or ankles.
- Brain Infection: Meningitis can develop, causing severe headaches and other neurological symptoms.
People with weakened immune systems face the highest risk for this severe form of the infection.
When to Visit a Medical Professional
Certain people should get medical help right away if they have valley fever symptoms. This includes:
- People over 60 years old
- Those with weakened immune systems
- Pregnant women
- People of Filipino or African heritage
You should see a doctor if you live in or visited areas where valley fever is common and your symptoms aren’t getting better. These areas include parts of the southwestern United States and some regions in Central and South America.
When talking to your doctor, always mention your recent travel history to help them make the right diagnosis.
Causes
Valley fever occurs when someone breathes in spores from specific fungi found in soil. These fungi—Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii—primarily live in soil across several southwestern states including Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
The condition takes its name from California’s San Joaquin Valley. These fungi also exist in parts of Mexico and throughout Central and South America.
The fungi have a distinct life cycle. They grow as mold in soil, forming long filaments. When soil gets disturbed, these filaments break apart into tiny spores that float into the air.
These microscopic spores can travel far on wind currents. Once a person inhales them, the spores enter the lungs and begin to multiply. This reproduction inside the body starts the infection process.
Common activities that disturb soil and release spores include:
- Construction work
- Farming
- Gardening
- Archaeological digs
- Dust storms
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase a person’s chance of getting valley fever:
Environmental Exposure
- People who live in areas where the fungi naturally occur
- Those who spend significant time outdoors in these regions
- Workers exposed to dust (construction workers, farmers, ranchers, archaeologists, military personnel)
Biological Factors
- People of Filipino and African descent face higher risks of serious infections
- Pregnant women in their third trimester
- New mothers shortly after delivery
- Diabetics may experience more severe lung infections
- Older adults typically have greater vulnerability
Immune System Conditions
- Individuals with weakened immune systems face increased complications, including:
- People with AIDS
- Those on steroid treatments
- Patients receiving chemotherapy
- Transplant recipients taking anti-rejection medications
- People with autoimmune conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease) using anti-TNF drugs
The risk varies based on how much time someone spends in areas where the fungi live. People who work outdoors in dusty conditions face the highest exposure risks.
While anyone can catch valley fever by breathing in the fungal spores, these risk factors make certain groups more likely to develop serious infections rather than mild cases that resolve on their own.
Complications
Certain people face higher risks for severe coccidioidomycosis. This includes pregnant women, individuals with weakened immune systems (like those with HIV/AIDS), and people of Filipino or African descent.
Coccidioidomycosis can lead to several serious health problems:
Severe Pneumonia
- Most people recover without lasting effects
- Higher risk groups may develop serious lung infections
- Can be life-threatening in vulnerable populations
Lung Nodule Rupture
Some patients develop cavities (thin-walled nodules) in their lungs. While many of these nodules disappear on their own, others may break open. This rupture can cause:
- Sharp chest pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Need for chest tube placement
- Possible surgery to fix the damage
Spread Throughout the Body
- Though uncommon, the fungus can spread beyond the lungs to other body parts. This disseminated disease can cause:
- Skin ulcers
- Abscesses
- Bone damage
- Severe joint pain
- Heart inflammation
- Urinary tract issues
- Meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord coverings)
Meningitis represents the most dangerous form of disseminated disease and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Prevention
No vaccine exists for valley fever. People living in or visiting areas with valley fever should take simple steps to protect themselves. This is especially important during dry seasons after rain, when infection risks increase.
To reduce your chances of getting valley fever:
- Wear a mask in dusty areas
- Avoid construction sites and other dusty places
- Stay indoors during dust storms
- Wet soil before digging in it
- Close doors and windows tightly
- Clean any cuts or wounds with soap and water
These precautions are particularly important for people with higher infection risks. Taking these steps can help protect you from breathing in the fungal spores that cause valley fever.
