Disturbed soil can carry Valley fever risk

Valley fever comes from breathing a fungus found in outdoor dirt and dust. Most California cases are in the Central Valley and Central Coast. Still, people get it across the state. It can happen all year, with more exposure in the dry summer and early fall.

Most people do not need to live in fear of dirt. The practical move is to notice the setting. A dusty job site, windy field, trail ride, construction area, or open desert day may call for extra care, especially for people with higher health risks.

Symptoms can start one to three weeks later and can feel like flu or another lung illness. CDPH says to call a health care provider when cough, fever, and tiredness last more than 7 to 10 days after time in a common Valley fever area. Tell the provider where you were and whether dust was in the air. A map or symptom list cannot diagnose it.