Coccidioides Causes Valley Fever Coccidioidomycosis Fungal Infection Symptoms
Do you dwell or plan to visit any desert in the Americas? If so, hidden in its desolate alkaline soiled beauty lies Valley Fever. An uncommon fungal disease acquired only in these regions.
Valley fever, coccidioidomycosis for technical, is an infection caused by Coccidioides immitis or Coccidioides posadasii fungi. These organisms are found in the semiarid areas of:
- Texas
- Mexico
- Nevada
- Arizona
- California
- New Mexico
- South America
- Central America
These locations are known for mild winters and arid summers.
You can become infected by inhaling coccidioides fungal spores. These Valley Fever causers get into the air after contaminated soil is disturbed, such as during:
- dust storms
- earthquakes
- construction
- agricultural activities
Symptoms are not experienced in over half of those infected. Those that do have coccidioidomycosis symptoms complain of stuff like:
- rash
- fever
- chills
- cough
- wheezing
- headache
- chest pain
- weight loss
- night sweats
- muscle aches
- bloody sputum
- loss of appetite
- light sensitivity
- profuse sweating
- muscle, joint stiffness
Valley Fever coccidioidomycosis is brought to “big sky” sojourners in 3 forms:
- acute
- chronic
- disseminated
Acute coccidioidomycosis is usually mild, with few or no symptoms. When symptoms do manifest, they’ll involve:
- fever
- chills
- cough
- fatigue
- headache
- chest pain
- night sweats
- red, blistery rash
- shortness of breath
- enlarged lymph nodes
- lower extremity edema
- joint aches, pain or swelling
These flu like symptoms tend to go away without any treatment.
Chronic coccidioidomycosis symptoms can crop up numerous years after your initial infection. You’ll likely have periods of symptoms followed by recovery from:
- cough
- chest pain
- pneumonia
- weight loss
- lung nodules
- low grade fever
- blood in phlegm
These symptoms are similar to those of tuberculosis. And they may not be recognized as Valley Fever.
Disseminated coccidioidomycosis is the most serious form, occurring if your infection spreads beyond your lungs. Its symptoms depend on which body parts are invaded and may include:
- ulcers
- nodules
- skin lesions
- bone infection
- painful, swollen joints
Meningitis, a potentially deadly complication of Valley Fever, occurs in almost half of these cases.
A weakened, suppressed or compromised immune system puts you at a greater risk for any form of this coccidioides fungus causing disease. For example, those suffering from AIDS or diabetes need to be extra vigilant. Antifungal drugs are available for treatment of coccidioidomycosis.
For many in good health, one round of Valley Fever has the upshot of immunity.
Infectious Health Blurbs:
- Crypto Cryptosporidium Causes Crypto Cryptosporidiosis
- Types of Infectious Disease, Communicable, Contagious, Emerging, Childhood Infectious Diseases
- Aspergillus Mold Causes Aspergillosis Allergic Bronchopulmonary, Invasive Pulmonary, Aspergilloma
- Contagious and Infectious Dog Disease, Cat Disease, Pet Disease, How to Prevent Zoonotic Diseases
- Contaminated Water Disease, WaterBorne Diseases, Contamination of Water Diseases Causing Illnesses
