Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)

Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)

The disease can progress to chronic or progressive lung disease and may even become disseminated to the skin, brain (meninges), skeleton, and other body areas. The disease can also infect many animal types (for example, dogs, cattle, otters, and monkeys).

What Is Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)?

Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis,  California disease,  Desert rheumatism and  San Joaquin valley fever is a fungal disease that is endemic in certain parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Nevada and northwestern Mexico. It is caused by Coccidioides immitis or C. posadasii. Infected individuals experience fever, chest pain, coughing and some other symptoms.

The disease can progress to chronic or progressive lung disease and may even become disseminated to the skin, brain (meninges), skeleton, and other body areas. The disease can also infect many animal types (for example, dogs, cattle, otters, and monkeys).

Coccidioidomycosis was first noted in the 1890s in Argentina; tissue biopsies of people with the disease showed pathogens that resembled coccidia (protozoa). During 1896-1900, investigators learned the disease was caused by a fungus, not protozoa, so the term “mycosis” was eventually added to “coccidia.”

What causes valley fever (coccidioidomycosis)?

Valley fever, coccidioidomycosis for technical, is an infection caused by Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii fungi.  These organisms are found in the semiarid areas of:

•       Texas

•       Mexico

•       Nevada

•       Arizona

•       California

•       New Mexico

•       South America

•       Central America

These locations are known for mild winters and arid summers.

You can become infected by inhaling coccidioides fungal spores.   These Valley Fever causers get into the air after contaminated soil is disturbed, such as during:

•       dust storms

•       earthquakes

•       construction

•       agricultural activities

What are the symptoms of valley fever (coccidioidomycosis)?

About 60% of all infected people (without immunosuppression) have no symptoms and do not seek medical care.Symptoms are not experienced in over half of those infected.  Those that do have coccidioidomycosis symptoms complain of stuff like:

•       rash

•       fever

•       chills

•       cough

•       wheezing

•       headache

•       chest pain

•       weight loss

•       night sweats

•       muscle aches

•       bloody sputum

•       loss of appetite

•       light sensitivity

•       profuse sweating

•       muscle, joint stiffness

How is valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) treated?

The drug of choice is usually amphotericin B, but oral azoles (fluconazole [Diflucan], itraconazole [Sporanox], ketoconazole [Nizoral]) and a triazole (posaconazole) can be used. A new drug called voriconazole may also be used.

Surgical treatment is sometimes needed. Pulmonary cavities, persistent pulmonary infection, empyema (pus collection), and shunt placement are some of the surgical interventions used to treat this disease.

REFRENCES

1-Charles Davis, MD, PhD  Article on VALLEY FEVER