Increase in Valley Fever Cases Linked to Drought in California
A study has found that Valley fever cases in California have dramatically increased over the past two decades, with drought conditions influencing the seasonal patterns of the disease. Researchers emphasize the importance of public health preparedness in response to these findings.
| Score | Value |
|---|---|
Scale | 5 |
Novelty | 7 |
Positivity | 6 |
Reliability | 9 |
Actionability | 7 |
Society | 8 |
Journalism | 6 |
Highlights
- Valley fever cases in California have tripled from 2014 to 2018 and again from 2018 to 2022.
- The disease is caused by inhaling spores from the soil-dwelling Coccidioides fungus.
- Most cases of Valley fever occur between September and November, but seasonal patterns vary by county.
- Drought conditions have been linked to the spread of Valley fever, with peaks in cases occurring after droughts end.
- The study analyzing Valley fever cases was conducted by researchers from the University of California San Diego and University of California, Berkeley.
Perspectives
- Experts believe that climate change, particularly the cycles of heavy rainfall followed by prolonged drought, is significantly contributing to the spread of Valley fever, creating ideal conditions for the Coccidioides fungus to thrive. [10][11][13]
- The findings of the study highlight the need for improved public health messaging and preparedness to protect individuals from Valley fever, especially during periods of increased risk due to seasonal patterns influenced by climate conditions. [10][11][12]