Valley Fever is an infection caused by a fungus found in soil. People can get Valley Fever by breathing in fungal spores from the air. Some people may have mild symptoms like a cold or the flu, while others, especially people with certain health conditions, can become very sick and may need to be hospitalized.

Valley Fever is found most often in central parts of California. Recently, more cases have been reported in coastal and urban areas of Los Angeles County, which were once thought to be low risk.

• From 2020 to 2023, Valley Fever cases in coastal areas in Los Angeles County increased by about one third.
• These areas often face social and health challenges that may make the illness more severe.

Several factors may be involved:

• Weather changes, such as heavy rain followed by hot, dry summers, which can help the fungus grow and spread
• Exposure to the fungus while traveling or working in other parts of the county

Current health reports do not collect enough information about people’s jobs, daily activities, or health history to explain these changes.

Some people are more likely to get very sick from Valley Fever. According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), people at higher risk include those who:

• Are age 60 years or older
• Are pregnant, especially later in pregnancy
• Have diabetes
• Have weakened immune systems, such as people with cancer, HIV, organ transplants, or those using steroids or chemotherapy
• Are Black or Filipino
• Work or spend a lot of time outdoors in dusty areas, such as construction sites, farms, or firefighting areas where the fungus lives