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Valley Fever
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Valley Fever

Valley Fever is a fungal infection caused by inhaling spores found in the soil of dry regions, most commonly affecting the southwestern United States.

Overview

Valley Fever is a disease caused by a fungus (or mold) called Coccidioides. The fungi live in the soil of dry areas like the southwestern U.S. You get it from inhaling the spores of the fungus. The infection cannot spread from person to person.

Causes & Risk Factors

While anyone can get Valley Fever, it is most common among older adults, especially those 60 and older. People who have recently moved to an area where it occurs are at the highest risk for infection. Other groups at higher risk include:

  • Workers in jobs that expose them to soil dust, such as construction workers, agricultural workers, and military forces doing field training.
  • African Americans and Asians.
  • Women in their third trimester of pregnancy.
  • People with weak immune systems.

Symptoms

Valley Fever is often mild, with no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include a flu-like illness, such as:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Muscle aches

Most people get better within several weeks or months, though a small number of people may develop a chronic lung or widespread infection.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Valley Fever is diagnosed by testing your blood, other body fluids, or tissues. Many people with the acute infection get better without treatment. In some cases, doctors may prescribe antifungal drugs for acute infections, and severe infections require antifungal drugs.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

Valley Fever often mimics a cold or flu with fever, cough, headache, muscle aches, and sometimes a rash. Key clues are recent exposure to dusty soil in endemic areas (e.g., construction, farming, recent move to the Southwest) and symptoms that persist longer than a typical viral cold—usually more than 2 weeks. If you have these risk factors and symptoms linger or worsen, ask your clinician for specific fungal testing (serology or PCR).
Minimize dust exposure by staying downwind of disturbed soil, using a N95 or higher respirator when digging or grading, and wetting soil before disturbance to suppress spores. Wear long sleeves, pants, and a hat, and shower and change clothes after work to remove any spores. Employers should provide training and protective equipment for high‑risk tasks.
small percentage of people experience reactivation months to years after the initial infection, especially if their immune system weakens. Chronic disease may present as persistent cough, shortness of breath, night sweats, weight loss, or joint pain that does not resolve. Regular follow‑up imaging (chest X‑ray or CT) and repeat serologic testing can help detect reactivation early.
Seek prompt care if you develop high‑grade fever (>101 °F), shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough with sputum, unexplained weight loss, or a spreading rash. Rapid worsening of lung symptoms, signs of meningitis (severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion), or joint swelling should trigger an emergency evaluation, as these may indicate disseminated infection requiring antifungal therapy.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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