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Coccidioidomycosis or Valley Fever is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. The fungus is found in the soil in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and Central and South America. 

 

Approximately 40% of individuals who are infected will develop symptoms which can include a cough, fever, exhaustion, chest pain and muscle aches. 5-10% of individuals infected will develop a more severe disease secondary to dissemination. 

 

Arizona is endemic for the fungus and Valley Fever is one of the most commonly reported infectious diseases in Arizona.

 

Arizona 5 year median: 6,101 cases

 

Transmission

Transmission occurs by inhaling spores of the fungus. 

 

The incubation period is typically 1 to 4 weeks for the primary infection. Disseminated infection may develop years after the primary infection.

 

Lab Tests & Specimen Info

 

Test*	Specimen
EIA/ELISA Serology	Serum
Complement Fixation	Serum
Latex Agglutination	Serum
Immunodiffusion	Serum
Tube Precipitin	Serum
Culture	Tissue, Respiratory Specimen
PCR	Tissue, Respiratory Specime

 Isolation Precautions

Coccidioidomycosis is not a communicable disease.

 

Standard precautions are recommended in healthcare settings. 

 

Prevention for Patients
For individuals who live in endemic areas (e.g. Arizona), it is recommended to avoid spending time in dusty places. 

• stay inside during dust storms
• avoid activities that involve close contact with dust or dirt
• use air filtration measures indoors

High-risk groups include:

• immunocompromised individuals
• pregnant women
• individuals with diabetes
• African Americans and Filipinos

Public Health Actions

Public health will conduct an epidemiological investigation on an outbreak. <!-- Global site tag (gtag.js) - Google Analytics -->

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