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.
Announcements
Dr. Lisa Shubitz Recognized as Woman of Impact
We are so excited that Dr. Lisa Shubitz has been recognized as a Woman of Impact at the University of Arizona this year! Her contributions to the development of the Valley fever vaccine are unmatched and she is a vital part of our center! We are so thankful we get to work with her and have her as a part of our team! To see the full list of awardees, visit HERE.
Valley Fever Talk at Wellness and Wonder Day
Join us on Sept. 21 for the first annual Wellness and Wonder Day hosted by University of Arizona Health Sciences! Drs. Galgiani, Shubitz, and Orbach will be presenting on Valley fever vaccine updates. There are many things to do at this interdisciplinary event, so visit HERE to see all you can do!
Human Valley Fever Vaccine Gains Further Support from NIH
Big news! The National Institute of Health is now advancing the Valley fever vaccine to be adapted for human use! This decision has been long awaited and is integral to providing preventative care to patients around the southwestern United States. To read more about this amazing news, visit HERE.
"Towards a Vaccine for Valley Fever" Workshop this August
The FDA, NIH, and CDC are putting together a workshop on the development of the Valley fever vaccine. The event will be held on August 13-14, 2024 in Rockville, Maryland. Our director, Dr. Galgiani, will be presenting on the current vaccine candidates in a dog model and how it can be developed for human use. For more information about the event and how to register, visit HERE.
FAQs
Is Valley fever contagious?
NO! Valley fever is contracted only by the inhalation of the fungal spores. Valley Fever is NOT spread from human to human, or animal to animal, or animal to human or human to animal. The spores change form in tissues of the body and are not contagious in tissue form.
Who gets Valley fever?
Anyone who lives, visits, or travels through the areas where the fungus grows in the soil (these areas are called endemic) may acquire Valley Fever. People working in certain occupations such as construction, excavation, agricultural work, archaeological digging, or pursuing activities like biking or driving ATVs which disturb soil in endemic areas, may have an increased risk of exposure and disease. Earthquakes that have occurred in endemic areas of California have also resulted in increased cases of Valley fever. Various domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and horses as well as wild animals are also susceptible.
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)
Is Valley fever contagious from animal to animal or animal to human?
Valley fever is considered a noncontagious disease. Even if multiple animals or humans are affected in a household, each infection was acquired by inhaling spores from the soil. Coughing cannot spread it between animals or people.