Valley fever

Description

An infection, also called coccidioidomycosis, caused by coccidioides fungi.

Overview

Valley fever is caused by two types of fungi found in the soil of some areas. Anything that stirs up soil that has the fungi in it can cause valley fever. Farming, the wind or construction can send fungal spores into the air, where people can breathe them in. Breathing in the spores can cause infection.

Symptoms

Some people who breathe in the fungal spores have no symptoms, but for other people symptoms range from mild to serious. Symptoms can start 1 to 3 weeks after contact with the fungus. Symptoms might include fever, cough, tiredness, shortness of breath and rash.

Treatments

Mild infections often clear up with no treatment. Antifungal medicine can treat symptoms that don't improve, last a long time or get worse. People at high risk of complications also may take this medicine.