What is coccidiomycosis?
Valley fever is a fungal infection caused by coccidioides organisms. It can cause signs and symptoms such as a fever, cough and tiredness.
Two coccidioides fungi species cause valley fever. These fungi are commonly found in soil in specific regions. The fungi's spores can be stirred into the air by anything that disrupts the soil, such as farming, construction and wind.
People can then breathe the fungi into their lungs. The fungi can cause valley fever, also known as acute coccidioidomycosis.
Mild cases of valley fever usually resolve on their own. In more-severe cases, doctors treat the infection with antifungal medications.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical care if you:
- Are over 60
- Are pregnant
- Have weak immune system
If you have already detected suspicious symptoms, it is necessary to evaluate your health condition by a doctor, especially considering the following cases:
Live in or have recently traveled to an area where this disease is common
Have symptoms that aren't improving
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms occur one to three weeks after exposure. They tend to be similar to flu symptoms.
Symptoms can range from minor to severe, including:
- Fever
- Cough
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Joint aches and muscle soreness
- Red, spotty rash
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/valley-fever/symptoms-
causes/syc-20378761
