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
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)
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)
Announcements
Western States Regional Workshop for Cocci
Join us on November 3, 2023 in Phoenix, AZ for the Western States Regional Workshop for Coccidioidomycosis Emerging Public Health Problem and Mitigation Strategies! This workshop will discuss topics such as risk mitigation, vaccines, and other policy measures related to Valley fever. For more information, visit HERE.
Dr. Galgiani Selected as Recipient of 2023 AZBio Pioneer Award for Lifetime Achievement
Congratulations to our esteemed director, Dr. John Galgiani, for being selected as the recipient for the 2023 AZBio Pioneer Award for Lifetime Achievement! This prestigious award is given to leaders in the biomedical industry that have improved the welfare and well being of Arizonans. We are so thankful to have such an amazing director leading our center towards success! Dr. Galgiani will be honored on September 27 by the Arizona Bioindustry Association. You can read more about this award and the ceremony HERE.
VFCE Membership and Valley Fever Collaborative
The VFCE has a new members page! If you work with or study Cocci at the University of Arizona and are interested in working with our center on new research and future projects, please fill out this form to apply for membership.
You can also visit the new Valley Fever Collaborative page for info about how this group is addressing the health and economic burden caused by Valley fever. The Collaborative brings together a diverse team of interested parties to address the critical public health threat of Valley fever. If you are interested in joining the VFC, please fill out this application form.