COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS (VALLEY FEVER)
ShareCompartir
Overview
Coccidioidomycosis or Valley Fever is an infectious disease in parts of the U.S.A. It is caused by inhaling microscopic arthroconidia (also known as arthrospores or spores) of the closely related fungal species Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii. Areas where Coccidioides is endemic (native and common) include states in the southwestern U.S.A. such as Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, and Utah and parts of Mexico, Central America and South America.
The purpose of this website is to provide occupational safety and health professionals with information needed to understand and prevent work-related Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever). The disease has important occupational aspects. For example, certain jobs and work activities, particularly those that involve digging in or disturbing soil in endemic areas, are associated with an increased risk of infection to workers. Also, it is important to know that there are preventive interventions that can be used to protect workers at risk.
CDC Valley Fever: General information about symptoms, diagnosis, & treatment
Preventing Valley Fever in outdoor workers - health care provider course updated
People who work outdoors in California's Central Valley and other locations, especially workers who dig or disturb soil, are at risk for Valley Fever, a serious illness that can cause disability or even death. Valley Fever (also called coccidioidomycosis) is caused by inhaling fungal spores found in the soil in certain parts of the Southwest U.S., including the Central Valley. OHB has updated its free online CME course on work-related coccidioidomycosis. The course, designed for primary care providers, gives up-to-date statistics on cases in the U.S., provides information to assist providers in diagnosing and treating the illness, and includes recent scientific studies on coccidioidomycosis in the workplace. Case studies highlight occupations and activities that put workers at risk for contracting coccidioidomycosis.
Coccidioidomycosis: Update on Occupational Health Issues - free CME course
Preventing Work-related Valley Fever – California Department of Public Health web page
- Page last reviewed: April 2, 2015
- Page last updated: February 24, 2017
- Content source:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Respiratory Health Division