Haboob hit the Phoenix area on Thursday, causing power outages and damaging homes. As of Friday morning, thousands of his SRP and ARP customers were still without power. This sandstorm was a reminder that more and more desert soil will be blown into the air this summer.
But that's not the only thing that gets kicked up as the wall of dust passes by.
These sandstorms can kick up dirt and soil that carry spores of a fungus called Coccidioides, or cocci. Found in the desert soils of Arizona, it can cause valley fever, a potentially serious lung infection. Half of Valley fever cases are from Maricopa County.
On average, more than 20,000 people in the U.S. each year infectedand Arizona is home two thirds of those cases. However, 60% of people are either asymptomatic or have very mild flu-like symptoms and do not seek medical attention, so they are not included in the statistics.
Here's what you need to know about Valley fever to stay informed and safe.
What is Valley Fever?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can contract Valley fever by breathing in microscopic fungal spores in the air. The CDC said most people who breathe in these spores do not get sick, and even if they do, they recover on their own after several weeks or months.
CDC says some people are at higher risk of severe disease When you get valley fever: People who are pregnant, people with weakened immune systems, people of certain races, people with diabetes, etc. According to the CDC, some people who develop Valley fever may require antifungal medication.
The CDC says people at high risk for severe Valley fever should avoid breathing in large amounts of dust if they are in the Southwest.
How many people in Arizona get Valley Fever each year?
John N. Gargiani, director of the UA Valley Fever Center for Excellence and director of the Banner University Health Valley Fever Program, wrote in a guest column for the Arizona Republic that half of all Valley fever cases in the United States come from Maricopa County. He said he was coming. Last month, about 30% of all Maricopa patients diagnosed with pneumonia had Valley fever as the cause of their illness.
“Knowing what the symptoms are will allow you to ask your doctor to make sure you are tested for Valley fever when needed,” Gargiani said. “This is also important in Phoenix, because doctors may forget this. Large sandstorms may increase the risk of infection slightly, but most infections probably occur even without sandstorms. It will happen.”
Can you avoid valley fever?
Although it is difficult to prevent inhaling the fungus in areas where it is present, the CDC offered the following tips to take precautions against this disease.
- Avoid locations with a lot of dust, such as construction sites or excavation sites. If you cannot avoid these areas, wear an N95 mask (a type of face mask) while you are there.Click here for more information on respirators.
- During sandstorms, stay indoors and close your windows.
- Avoid activities that involve close contact with dirt and dust, such as yard work, gardening, and digging.
- Take air filtration measures indoors.
- Wash skin wounds often with soap and water to reduce the chance of developing a skin infection, especially if the wound is exposed to dirt or dust.
- Take preventive antifungal medication if your health care provider says it's necessary.
What are the symptoms of valley fever?
Some people with Valley fever may not know they have it, but the CDC lists the following symptoms of Valley fever:
- Fatigue (malaise)
- cough
- heat
- shortness of breath
- headache
- night sweats
- muscle or joint pain
- rash on the upper body or legs
In very rare cases, fungal spores can enter the skin through a cut, wound, or debris and cause a skin infection.
Is valley fever dangerous?
Some people may never know they have valley fever or may experience mild flu-like symptoms. Treatments are available for more severe cases.
According to the CDC, about 5 to 10 percent of people who develop Valley fever develop serious or long-term problems with their lungs. In an even smaller percentage (about 1%), the infection spreads from the lungs to other parts of the body, such as the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), skin, bones, and joints.
How is Valley fever treated?
To treat Valley fever, you need to diagnose it. According to the CDC, health care providers use laboratory tests to diagnose Valley fever. The most common method is to take and test a blood sample. Coccidioides Antibodies or antigens.
For many people, Valley fever resolves on its own, according to the CDC. However, in more severe cases, a 3-6 month treatment with fluconazole or another type of antifungal drug may be prescribed.
The CDC said there are no over-the-counter medications to treat Valley fever.
If I've had valley fever before, can I get it again?
According to the CDC, this is usually not the case. Your immune system is more likely to protect you from getting infected again.
Can dogs get valley fever too?
Yes, the CDC said pets, especially dogs, can contract Valley fever. However, it is not contagious between animals and humans. Your dog may cough, become lethargic, and lose weight. If you suspect your pet has Valley fever, the CDC recommends contacting your veterinarian.
Galgiani said the University of Arizona has discovered a vaccine that protects dogs, and hopefully humans, from Valley fever. Canine vaccine in development by Anivive Lifesciences And by 2024, he could be working at a veterinary office.
According to data from the Valley Fever Center for Excellence, dogs get Valley fever about three to three times more often than humans.
