Two-thirds of all U.S. Valley Fever infections are contracted in Arizona even though nationally, Valley Fever is uncommon and considered an orphan disease. The Arizona Board of Regents established the Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona to improve understanding, medical care, and research about this disease.
FAQs
Does having Valley fever in the past make me more susceptible to contracting COVID-19?
There is no reason to believe that people who have had Valley Fever are at higher risk for contracting COVID-19 as Valley fever does not interfere with or weaken a person’s immune system. (May 2020)
How can you tell Valley fever and COVID-19 apart?
Strictly speaking you cannot. But, there are general patterns that are different and can provide you clues:
- COVID-19 is an emerging epidemic. The number of confirmed cases is on the rise and based on current projections, it is expected to peak in Arizona in the next couple of weeks. The risk for Valley fever is ever-present with seasonal fluctuations each year. As COVID-19 hopefully declines over the coming months, the number of Valley fever cases are expected to increase into the summer.
- COVID-19 causes a more acute illness. Chronic COVID-19 illnesses have not been evident. In contrast, while Valley fever sometimes starts abruptly, it typically continues for weeks to several months before symptoms completely resolve.
- The primary complication of COVID-19 is respiratory failure. While Valley fever can result in respiratory failure in rare cases, the infection can also spread to other parts of the body, causing destruction in bones, skin, the brain or elsewhere. (May 2020)
Announcements
Valley Fever Story on NBC News
A story about a Valley fever survivor and current progress on a vaccine was featured on NBC News! You can read the article HERE.
CSG Meeting Registration Now Live!
Registration for this year's Cocci Study Group meeting is now live! Please visit here to register. For more information about the meeting, you can view the CSG Meeting Registration Flyer, CSG 2023 Final Agenda or visit the CSG website.
New Valley Fever Vaccine Fast Fact Sheet
A new Fact Sheet about a Valley fever vaccine is available for the public! This sheet has quick, condensed facts about Valley fever and how the development of a vaccine is moving forward at the University of Arizona. You can read the fact sheet HERE.