Valley Fever
The infection: Valley fever, caused by the fungus Coccidioides.
Symptoms and treatment: Its symptoms are similar to many respiratory illnesses and include fever, cough, and headaches. About 5% to 10% will go on to have serious long term lung problems, and a smaller percentage can develop life-threatening complications.
Threat potential: The fungus lives in the soils of the southwestern United States, parts of Mexico and Central America, and parts of South America. Though most people exposed to Coccidioides don’t become sick, cases of Valley fever have been increasing in recent years. And many experts fear that a rise in dust storms, fueled by climate change, will only make the disease more common and widespread.
