Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis) Remedies

What Is Coccidioidomycosis?

Somewhat of an epidemic in southwestern locations including Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and northwestern Mexico, coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal disease initiated by infection-causing coccidioides. More commonly known as valley fever, the infection also goes by several other names – California disease, desert rheumatism, and Joaquin valley fever. As is suggested by the various names, the infection is typically associated with dry, arid areas that are subject to high soil use and disruption.

The first signs of the disease often include fever, chest pain, and coughing; however, several other symptoms can also develop. Additional symptoms include chills, night sweats, headache, fatigue, achy joints, and a red skin rash. The rash associated with valley fever begins as a red, spotted, bumpy development that then turns brown. Minus the rash, the other symptoms identified with valley fever mimic flu like symptoms and may range from minor to severe.

Valley fever is caused by fungi– Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii – that are particularly prevalent in the southwest. These fungi thrive in arid desert soils and remain dormant through especially dry spells, forming mold with long filaments. The filaments break off and become airborne spores as the rains come and soil is disrupted. Infection is caused by inhaling the particles only; it cannot be spread from person to person. Once inside the lungs, the spores reproduce, extending the cycle of the disease.

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