#valleyfever

Source: CDC_Science Source

2024 Sees Unprecedented Spike in Valley Fever Infections

San Luis Obispo County has recorded its highest-ever number of Valley fever cases, with 482 infections reported in 2024, nearly double the 244 cases documented in 2023. This figure surpasses the previous record of 445 cases set in 2017. According to the county’s Public Health Department, the sharp rise is consistent with known patterns of the disease, which often surges following drought conditions combined with heavy rainfall.

“This increase is not unexpected,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, the County Health Officer. “We know Valley fever tends to rise after dry periods followed by substantial rain. We’re actively educating both healthcare providers and the public to recognize symptoms and understand how to lower their risk.” Dr. Borenstein advised anyone experiencing persistent flu-like symptoms such as fever and coughing for several weeks to consult a healthcare professional and request testing for Valley fever.

Understanding the Source and Spread of the Disease

Valley fever, medically known as coccidioidomycosis, is caused by the Coccidioides fungus, which thrives in the soil across San Luis Obispo County, neighboring regions, the Central Valley, and other parts of the southwestern U.S. When the soil is disturbed—by activities such as digging, driving, or strong winds—spores can become airborne and inhaled by people and animals, potentially leading to infection.

The disease affects individuals differently. About 60% of those infected remain asymptomatic and do not require treatment. Another 30–40% may develop flu-like symptoms but typically recover without medical intervention. However, around 1% of symptomatic cases can experience severe complications if the infection spreads beyond the lungs to other parts of the body.

Public health officials link this year’s spike to environmental changes, specifically an increase in fungal growth due to abundant rainfall following a prolonged drought. These climate conditions have created an ideal environment for the fungus to flourish, increasing the likelihood of exposure and infection.

Prevention Tips and Community Awareness

While Valley fever cannot be transmitted from person to person or between animals, both humans and animals—including dogs, cats, and horses—can become infected by inhaling contaminated dust. The County Health Department recommends several practical precautions to help reduce risk.

Residents are urged to avoid dusty environments, especially on windy days. If exposure is unavoidable, health experts suggest using protective gear such as N95 masks and dampening soil before disturbing it to minimize airborne particles. Drivers traveling through dusty or windy areas should keep car windows closed and set the air conditioning system to recirculate.

https://www.passporthealthusa.com/2024/12/valley-fever-cases-on-the-rise-what-you-should-know/

Why Pet Owners in Arizona Love Compounding Pharmacies

If you have dogs, you must have come across the term “Valley Fever.” This disease can severely affect you and your pets if left untreated. You surely want to be aware of this disease so you can be ready to protect your furry family members. Here’s a guide to help you understand when to take your pet to the veterinarian, and how to treat Valley Fever.

What is Valley Fever?

Valley Fever is common in mammals, but mostly affects dogs. Valley Fever is an infection caused by Coccidioides immitis, which is a type of fungus. This condition also termed “coccidioidomycosis,” is getting extremely common in the areas of south-central Arizona. Valley Fever cases appear at the highest rate in the state of Arizona.

Symptoms of Valley Fever in Dogs

In most cases, dogs infected with Valley Fever do not show any prominent signs of illness initially. However, if left untreated the immune system of the dog starts declining. In situations when a dog is exposed to a large number of spores or has a weak immune system, Valley Fever can take hold and cause severe disease.

Some typical symptoms, which are limited to lungs, include:

Lethargy

Coughing

Fever

Weight loss

Poor appetite

However, there are two different forms of Valley Fever, which can portray the different symptoms in each case. These are the two forms of the disease:

1. Primary Valley Fever

This form of Valley Fever is usually seen in three weeks of continuous contact with the fungus. Primary Valley Fever is noticed by a persistent cough. It is followed by fever and also in decline in mood. Evidence of poor appetite and sudden lethargy are also seen in this situation.

2. Disseminated Valley Fever

Disseminated Valley Fever in dogs is a much worse form of the disease. In this condition the virus spreads out in the body, mainly to the joints and bones. As the fungus continues to spread, severe pain ensues. In extreme cases, dogs can lose the use of their legs. When the disease is left untreated, it can damage the nervous system and can prove to be fatal.

Treatment of Valley Fever

In the case of Valley Fever, dogs are given a prescription antifungal medication. The duration for which the medication has to continue completely depends on the severity of the infection and the situation.

Most commonly, veterinarians prescribe Fluconazole for dogs, which is an effective antifungal medication for Valley Fever. This treatment must be used consistently for months in order to work. Although the treatment with Fluconazole could be prolonged, it is usually seen that pets start feeling better within 1-2 weeks, after the treatment begins. Other antifungals are used to treat Valley Fever as well including Ketoconazole, and Itraconazole.

Why Compounded Fluconazole?

In diseases like Valley Fever, dosing depends on severity and weight of the dog. In such situations, it is difficult to find a specific dosage for the disease. Thus, compounded Fluconazole is the best approach through which you can get custom dosages in various forms such as capsules, chewy treats, or suspensions.

How Compounded Fluconazole works?

With the right dosage and consistent administration, fluconazole can destroy fungal cells. It occurs when the medication starts interfering with the cell membranes of the fungus. This action inhibits the growth of fungus in the body of dogs. It will prevent the fungal cells from reproducing, and this will eventually help in eradicating the infection.

Fluconazole can be dispensed as chewable treats, capsules, or suspension form. Usually, the treatment with Fluconazole for dogs suffering from Valley Fever can be from 6-12 months. As per the veterinarian, the dosage of Fluconazole can be between 5.5 mg and 22 mg per pound of the dog’s weight.

Cautions while considering Fluconazole

Fluconazole might react with many drugs. If you are giving your dogs supplements or other medications, consult a veterinarian before giving the dose of Fluconazole. Also, you should not give this medication to pets that have liver impairment or disease. Also, this medication is not prescribed when the pets are pregnant.

Prevention from Valley Fever

There are no proper guidelines through which Valley Fever can be avoided entirely. It can be in the soil or the air, usually caused by the spores in the dust. Many areas of Arizona including Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Scottsdale have open dirt areas that are hard to avoid. According to the Valley Fever Center for Excellence, you can reduce the likelihood of exposing your dog to Valley Fever:

Avoid activities that generate dust, reduce digging behavior by dogs, prevent sniffing in rodent holes, and keep dogs indoors more than outdoors. Treating the soil is currently not practical as the fungus lives in spotty areas and can live up to 12 inches deep in the ground. Yard ground cover that reduces dust, however, is helpful: grass and deep gravel or other dust-controlling cover. https://vfce.arizona.edu/valley-fever-dogs/how-dogs-get-valley-fever