Valley Fever cases in the Central Valley surpass 2024 reports

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – In the Central Valley, Valley Fever cases this year have already surpassed last year’s total and more than doubled compared to 2023.

Valley Fever is most common from late summer into fall, but Fresno County Health officials say the number of cases reported may be due to increased awareness and education.

“The Department of Public Health and other county departments of public health are doing campaigns for people to recognize Valley Fever, what it is, when you went to report to your doctor, and what to do,” said Leticia Berber, health educator at the Fresno County Department of Public Health.

That goes for doctors, too. Berber says more physicians are testing patients for the infection, especially on the west side of Fresno County, where Valley Fever is most prominent.

“There’s a fungus that grows in the soil. And what happens is when the soil dries out, the fungus makes almost like little spores, and those spores can be liberated up into the air when digging happens and when it’s windy,” explained Dr. Sharon Minnick, senior epidemiologist at the Tulare County Department of Public Health.

As of July 31, Fresno County has reported 576 Valley Fever cases this year. That’s up from 466 cases in 2024, and just 194 in 2023. The same trend applies to Tulare County. So far this year, 371 cases have been reported, up from 305 last year.

“One of the main symptoms would be fever and a cough, and it’s especially when we see a cough that doesn’t go away,” Dr. Minnick said. Other symptoms include joint aches, headaches, and a rash on your upper arms and lower legs.

While there is treatment for Valley Fever, Minnick says most people can get over it in time. “Most of the population living here probably does get it at some point, and some people don’t even know that they’ve had it,” she said.

Minnick adds that deaths from Valley Fever are relatively rare, but those who are immunocompromised are more vulnerable. While Fresno County hasn’t reported any deaths this year, Tulare County has seen 10 fatalities from the fungal infection.

Those who primarily work around the dust, like agricultural and construction workers, are more at risk. However, there are a few precautions you can take.

“The best thing is to try to avoid being outdoors in dusty conditions. So if you’re going to be digging, especially in soil that hasn’t been disturbed for a long time, try to wet that soil down before you start digging,” Minnick shared. 

If it’s a dusty day, make sure your car windows are rolled up and the air-recirculation button is on—so outdoor dust doesn’t get in.