Researchers at the Valley Fever Center for Excellence are recognized as “Leading Edge” award recipients for innovative and excelling research at Innovation Day 2008.Congratulations Dr. Galgiani and Dr. Nix! To watch the video click here.

To learn more information about Innovation Day, click here.

Make a Contribution that Supports the Valley Fever Center.

View our two Valley Fever informational clips:

Dr. Galgiani, M.D. discusses.... a vaccine to prevent Valley Fever

Susan Hoover, M.D. discusses a potential new treatment for Valley Fever

ANNOUNCEMENTS!

The VFCE is launching a new initiative to improve the care of patients with Valley Fever across the state of Arizona and especially in Maricopa county. Read more about it here.

If you have been recently diagnosed with Valley Fever, are between the ages of 18 and 50, reside in or near Tucson Arizona and are interested in being part of a Valley Fever research study program, click here to learn more information!

Click here for the Arizona Department of Health Services Valley Fever Report.

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.

Click image for larger map		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.

Valley Fever Center for Excellence, 1656 E. Mabel St. P.O. Box 245215, Tucson, Arizona 85724 HOTLINE (520) 629-4777, FAX (520) 626-4971
EMAIL vfever@email.arizona.edu 2003 All contents copyrighted ©.The University of Arizona. All rights reserved.