Valley Fever in Texas: Why Lubbock Is in the Potential Risk Zone

Valley Fever, a fungal disease spread by dust, is spiking in California this year. And while Lubbock is nowhere near California, we are still in the potential risk zone for the disease.

What Is Valley Fever and How Does It Spread?

According to the CDC, the fungus Coccidioides, which causes Valley Fever, lives in the soil and dust of the southwestern U.S., parts of Washington state, and in Central America.

Read More: Alarming Numbers of Devastating Disease Reported in Texas

While outbreaks of the fungus are rare, certain weather conditions can increase the likelihood that people become sick.

Coccidioides grows in soil after heavy rainfall. When conditions become hot and dry, the fungus disperses into the air.

Lubbock has had an unusually wet year, for which I am grateful, but since we are in the Valley Fever zone, it is important we minimize our exposure to soil dust.

Read More: Preventing Mosquito Bites (And Illnesses) In Texas: Tips For Summer Safety

Common Symptoms of Valley Fever to Watch For

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of Valley fever may appear one to three weeks after exposure to infected soil dust.

• Fever
• Cough
• Tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Chills
• Night sweats
• Joint aches and muscle soreness
• Red, spotty rash, mainly on lower legs but sometimes on the chest, arms and back

If you think you have Valley Fever, be sure to tell your doctor, as there are skin and blood tests that can detect the disease. Valley Fever can also be diagnosed with chest X-rays that find nodules on the lungs (which can look like cancer).

It is especially important to see a doctor, "if you are over 60, have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or are of Filipino or African heritage, and you develop the signs and symptoms of valley fever."