Valley Fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is an infection caused by inhaling fungal spores that live in dry, dusty soil. This illness is most common in the American Southwest, with Arizona and New Mexico seeing some of the highest rates. In recent weeks, searches about Valley Fever symptoms have surged, reflecting growing public concern as cases rise. Understanding its signs, risks, and when to seek care can make a major difference in early detection and recovery.
How Valley Fever Affects the Body
The fungus behind Valley Fever is released into the air when soil is disturbed by wind, construction, or farming. Once inhaled, the spores settle in the lungs, where they can trigger a wide range of immune responses. While many people never experience symptoms, others may develop mild to moderate illness resembling the flu. In a smaller percentage of cases, the infection becomes chronic or spreads beyond the lungs, making it potentially life-threatening.
Common Symptoms
For most people who develop symptoms, the illness begins one to three weeks after exposure. Early signs often mimic seasonal flu, which is why Valley Fever can be overlooked. Fatigue is one of the most common and persistent complaints, often leaving patients weak for weeks or even months. Other hallmark symptoms include fever, chills, persistent cough, and chest pain. Shortness of breath and night sweats are also frequent, and some individuals experience severe headaches.
In addition to these respiratory and systemic signs, Valley Fever is well known for causing skin changes. Painful red nodules may appear, particularly on the legs, arms, or chest. Joint pain and muscle aches are also reported, sometimes referred to as “desert rheumatism.” These symptoms can last from several weeks to several months, and while some people recover without medical treatment, others face prolonged illness.
Severe and Chronic Forms
In certain cases, the infection does not resolve quickly and can progress into chronic Valley Fever. This may result in ongoing cough, weight loss, and lung nodules that resemble tuberculosis. In rare but serious instances, the fungus spreads outside the lungs to the skin, bones, joints, or even the brain. When this happens, complications such as meningitis or bone infections can occur, which require long-term antifungal therapy.
People at greater risk of severe disease include those with weakened immune systems, the elderly, pregnant women in later stages of pregnancy, and individuals with underlying conditions such as diabetes. Certain populations, including African Americans and Filipinos, are also more susceptible to developing the most dangerous form of the illness.
When to Seek Medical Help
Because Valley Fever symptoms overlap with many other respiratory illnesses, it is important to pay attention to persistence and severity. If a cough, fever, and fatigue last longer than a week or two—especially following exposure to dusty outdoor environments in the Southwest—medical evaluation is strongly advised. Urgent care should also be sought if there is blood in sputum, severe chest pain, neurological symptoms like stiff neck or confusion, or sudden worsening of respiratory distress.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors diagnose Valley Fever through blood tests, imaging such as chest X-rays, and sometimes biopsies. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. Mild cases often resolve without medication, but moderate to severe infections may require antifungal drugs such as fluconazole or itraconazole. Chronic or disseminated cases may require stronger medications or even lifelong therapy to keep the infection under control.
Prevention and Awareness
Preventing Valley Fever can be difficult since exposure occurs from breathing in dust. However, precautions such as avoiding outdoor activity during dust storms, wearing protective masks during construction or yard work, and using indoor air filters can reduce the risk. Public awareness is especially important, as climate changes and expanding population centers in endemic regions are contributing to an increase in reported cases.
Valley Fever remains a serious but often misunderstood health concern in the Southwestern United States. While many cases are mild, the potential for chronic illness and life-threatening complications makes awareness of symptoms essential. Recognizing early signs such as fatigue, cough, fever, and rash—especially after time spent in dusty areas—can lead to faster diagnosis and better outcomes.