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Arizona Witnesses Spike In Valley Fever Cases; Know The Symptoms And Complications Of The Infection
Arizona Witnesses Spike In Valley Fever Cases
Seasonal illnesses are on the rise with winter setting in and there has been a rise in cases of valley fever. Cases of the fungal infection have been increasing across the southwest. According to a report in USA Today, infections in Arizona have jumped 45% from what they were this time last year, an uptick of almost 4,000 cases. California cases have increased by about 600 since last year.
While most cases are mild, a fraction of patients develop severe disease and die. Signs and symptoms of the infection are difficult to spot and there’s no vaccine to prevent it.
What Is Valley Fever?
Also known as coccidioidomycosis, this is a fungal infection caused by coccidioides. It can cause signs and symptoms such as a fever, cough and tiredness.
There are two coccidioides fungi species that cause valley fever. These fungi are usually found in soil in specific regions. The fungi’s spores can be stirred into the air by anything that disrupts the soil, such as farming, construction and wind.
People can then breathe the fungi into their lungs. The fungi can cause valley fever, also known as acute coccidioidomycosis. Mild cases of valley fever usually resolve on their own. In severe cases, doctors treat the infection with antifungal medications.
Symptoms Of Valley Fever
Valley fever is the initial form of coccidioidomycosis infection. This initial, acute illness can develop into a more serious disease, including chronic and disseminated coccidioidomycosis, according to says Mayo Clinic.
Here, take a look at some of the symptoms of acute coccidioidomycosis, which is known as valley fever.
- Fever
- Cough
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Joint aches and muscle soreness
- Red, spotty rash, mainly on the lower legs but sometimes on the chest, arms and back
Chronic coccidioidomycosis
Here, take a look at some of the symptoms of chronic coccidioidomycosis
- Low-grade fever
- Weight loss
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Blood-tinged sputum (matter discharged during coughing)
- Nodules in the lungs.
Disseminated coccidioidomycosis
This is the most serious form of the disease and it is rare. It happens when the infection spreads beyond the lungs to other parts of the body. Here, take a look at the signs and symptoms of disseminated coccidioidomycosis.
- Nodules, ulcers and skin lesions that are more serious than the rash that sometimes occurs with initial infection
- Painful lesions in the skull, spine or other bones
- Painful, swollen joints, especially in the knees or ankles
- Meningitis which is an infection of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Complications of Valley Fever
Here, take a look at some of the complications of valley fever, according to Mayo Clinic.
- Severe pneumonia: Most people recover from coccidioidomycosis-related pneumonia without complications. Others may become seriously ill.
- Ruptured lung nodules: A small percentage of people develop thin-walled nodules (cavities) in their lungs. Some of these may rupture, causing chest pain and difficulty breathing.
- Disseminated disease: This is the most serious complication of coccidioidomycosis but it’s rare. If the fungus spreads throughout the body, it can cause problems including skin ulcers, abscesses, bone lesions, severe joint pain, heart inflammation, urinary tract problems and meningitis.
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