Message from the Director!  Click here to see the end of year message. View our photo gallery from Valley Fever Week:       - Valley Fever Inaugural Walk, 11/01/09       - 14th Annual Farness Lecture, 11/12/09       - 2nd Annual Provider Medical Education, 11/14/09       - 2nd Annual Learn about VF Program, 11/15/09 David Larwood, JD, MBA Visiting Speaker, 01/20/10         - "Marketing Your Innovations: Developing             Companies and Other Strategies" Photos.   Track our Fundraising Progress for The Valley Fever Corridor Project! Are you looking to do more? Check out the efforts of this volunteer group VALLEY FEVER ALLIANCE You can help find a cure for Valley Fever!

CME On-Line Course is here! 1. The FREE Valley Fever CME On- Line     Course is available for Physicians and     Primary Care Professionals. 2.   Coccidioidomycosis Study Group                    54th Annual Meeting      March 27, 2010, Surprise City Hall      Council Chambers 16000 N. Civic      Center Drive Surprise, AZ.Care      Professionals. Physicians Professional Information: View our Tutorial for Physicians and Primary Care Professionals

Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis) is primarily a disease of the lungs that is common in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is caused by the fungus Coccidioides sp., which grows in soils in areas of low rainfall, high summer temperatures, and moderate winter temperatures. These fungal spores become airborne when the soil is disturbed by winds, construction, farming and other activities.

Valley Fever infections are more likely to occur during certain seasons. In Arizona, the highest prevalence of infections occurs June through July and from October through November. In California, the risk of infection is highest from June through November, without the late summer break.

It is estimated that there are about 150,000 infections in the southwestern U.S. each year. Approximately one-third of these results in a self-limited, although often protracted, respiratory illness. However, in a small percentage the illness is more serious and potentially lethal.

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In susceptible people and animals, infection occurs when a spore is inhaled. Within the lung, the spore changes into a larger, Multicellular structure called a spherule. The spherule grows and bursts, releasing endospores which develop into spherules. Valley Fever symptoms generally occur within three weeks of exposure. Valley Fever is not a" contagious" disease, meaning it is not passed from person to person. Second infections are rare.

Many domestic and native animals are susceptible to the disease, including dogs, horses, cattle, sheep, burros, coyotes, rodents, bats and snakes.

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Valley Fever Center for Excellence, 1656 E. Mabel St. P.O. Box 245215, Tucson, Arizona 85724
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