Many RVers are (or soon will be) making their way to warmer climates. If you plan to visit the Southwest United States in the coming months, you should know about and understand Valley Fever. Although outbreaks of Valley Fever are rare, it pays to be informed.
What is it?
Valley Fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is an infection. It’s caused by inhaling spores of the Coccidioides fungus, which thrives in dry, desert soils.
Common activities that disturb the soil (e.g., construction, farming, or strong winds) can release fungal spores into the air, increasing your exposure risk.
Where is Valley Fever found?
This fungus is common in the Southwest U.S. This includes the states of Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. Recently, cases have also been identified in parts of Washington state and Mexico.
Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties in Arizona report the highest cases of Valley Fever due to frequent soil disturbances and ideal environmental conditions for fungal growth. Seasonal spikes are observed in spring and winter, though cases can occur year-round.
Who can become infected?
Valley Fever can affect anyone who lives in or visits areas where the Coccidioides fungus is present. Any activities that disturb the desert soil (e.g., biking, riding ATVs, driving off-road vehicles) increase the likelihood that you may inhale fungal spores.
Your risk is higher if you have a weakened immune system. Others at high risk of contracting Valley Fever are African Americans, Filipinos, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions like diabetes or cancer.
What about animals?
In addition to humans, various domestic animals, including dogs and horses, are susceptible to the disease.
Valley Fever is not contagious and cannot spread between people or animals. However, the shared risk underscores the importance of taking protective measures—for both you and your dog.
Symptoms of Valley Fever
While most people infected with Valley Fever experience mild or no symptoms, around 40% may develop flu-like conditions, including:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Night sweats
- Joint or muscle pain
- Skin rashes
- Loss of appetite or weight
For a small number of individuals, the infection can spread beyond the lungs to bones, skin, joints, or the brain. Although this is very rare, it can lead to severe complications such as meningitis.
Treatment options
Many mild cases of Valley Fever resolve without medical intervention. However, individuals with more severe symptoms or complications may require antifungal medications. In extreme cases, lifelong medication or hospitalization may be necessary.
If you suspect Valley Fever, consult your healthcare provider to discuss diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, imaging, or biopsies.
Preventing Valley Fever
Although there’s no vaccine for Valley Fever, you can reduce your risk with these strategies:
- Avoid soil disturbance: Limit activities that kick up dust in areas where Valley Fever is common. If you must disturb the soil, water it down first.
- Wear protective gear: Use face masks or respirators when engaging in outdoor activities.
- Close RV windows and doors: Especially during dust storms.
- Stay indoors: When air quality is poor due to dust or wind.
Personal stories
Valley Fever is an unusual disease, but these personal stories of actual patients may provide additional insight into this rare fungal infection.
What’s being done?
Research efforts led by the Valley Fever Center for Excellence aim to improve treatment and develop a vaccine. Public health campaigns also focus on raising awareness and educating healthcare providers to improve diagnosis and care.
If you plan to RV in areas where Valley Fever is prevalent, staying informed and cautious can significantly reduce your risk. For more detailed information, you can visit the Arizona Department of Health Services.
##RVT1186
Didn’t know about this. Thank you , ma”am.
I did a donut in our ATV and didn’t drive it out of the dust cloud. Big mistake, got Valley Fever. For me the biggest symptom was terrible night sweats, had to lay a towel on the bed. A doctor in Parker prescribed the anti-viral drug, I got better within days.
The OHV apocalypse is churning up a lot of desert dust, which doesn’t help.
Night sweats were the big tip off for me.
The antibody test may be negative and you still have VF that may show up on a chest x-ray. There is a high false negative rate.
Before getting a lung biopsy, try Fluconazole oral antifungal. If night sweats go away quickly, that is a tip off that you have VF.
Fluconazole for pets is expensive. I met a couple who spent $30,000 on their dog.
They told me my cat had lung cancer. It turned out to be histoplasmosis. Very similar to Valley Fever. More common than you think. People and pets get it all the time and are misdiagnosed. It’s in the soil.
In the southern and eastern states you get Histoplasmosis. Similar to Valley fever it’s in the soil caused from the droppings of birds and bats.
Interesting and good to know. Thanks, Leona!
We were told, in Yuma, not to sleep with our windows open. I couldn’t see the difference of being outside during the day and sleeping with the windows open at night. Perhaps, if it’s during the day one would go inside the RV if a wind came up spreading the virus, whereas you might sleep through a dust storm when the virus was more prevalent.
We did two stints in the Mesa/Apache Junction area back in the 1990’s…no more…have not been back there since.
Thank you for the warning, Gail! Happy new year and safe travels! 🙂