Questions and answers on valley fever

[Guest guest]

Questions and answers on valley fever

Jan. 11, 2007 12:00 AM

Arizona Republic - Phoenix,AZ

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0111valleyfever0111QA.html

What is valley fever?

Valley fever is an infection in the lungs caused by a fungus that

grows in the soil in the southern and central areas of California,

Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and the southern parts of Nevada and

Utah.

Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis ( " cocci " for short), is also

found in parts of Mexico and Central and South America. These areas

are called endemic for the disease. advertisement

How do you get valley fever?

By inhaling one or more airborne spores of the fungus Coccidioides

immitis. The spores are carried in dust particles from the soil by

wind when the soil is disturbed.

It is not spread from human to human, animal to animal or between

the two.

Who's at risk?

Anyone who lives, visits or travels through areas where the fungus

grows is susceptible.

The risk increases if you work construction, excavation and

agriculture or engage in outdoor activities, such as four-wheel

driving in the desert. Dogs, horses and wild animals also are

susceptible.

What are the symptoms?

The most common are fatigue, cough, fever, profuse sweating at

night, loss of appetite, chest pain and generalized muscle and joint

aches, particularly in the ankles and knees. A rash may develop

resembling measles or hives, but more often it appears as tender red

bumps on shins or forearms.

Sixty percent of valley fever cases have no symptoms or only mild

flulike symptoms. Severe cases can be fatal.

When do symptoms appear?

Usually within seven to 28 days of exposure.

Can it be misdiagnosed?

Yes. It may be confused with cancer, tuberculosis, chronic

obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic fatigue syndrome, among

others. Some physicians new to the Valley may not be familiar with

the disease.

Can it spread from the lungs to other parts of the body?

Yes. The most common sites of dissemination are skin, bones, joints

and brain meninges, which are membranes that cover the brain. Cocci

meningitis is the most lethal.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Patients often start with a blood test that measures the levels of

antibodies to the fungus. Then a chest X-ray may be ordered to see

if nodules have formed in the lung. A phlegm test determines if

there is cocci fungus present.

Frequent visits to the doctor may be necessary.

Anti-fungal medication can help keep the fungus from spreading but

will not cure you. Your immune system must fight to kill it.

How long do symptoms last?

It varies by person. Some symptoms may take months or even years to

resolve.

Is there a vaccine?

Not yet. In December, Congress voted to authorize $40 million for

testing a potential vaccine but has yet to appropriate the funding.

The Valley Fever Center for Excellence at the University of Arizona

is working to conduct clinical trials using nikkomycin z, which has

been shown to kill the fungus in mice.

How do you protect yourself?

It's tough. The cocci spores are 2 to 3 microns (a micron is one-

millionth of a meter).

Avoid activities associated with dust and airborne dirt of native

desert soil. Stay away from blowing dust. Masks are helpful in some

jobs or hobbies.

Still, there is no guarantee that you won't catch the fungus, as

only one spore can give you the disease.

How can I find a specialist?

Physicians with experience in treating the disease can be found by

calling the Valley Fever Center for Excellence at 1-(520)-629-4777.

Other information is available on its Web site at

www.vfce.arizona.edu.

Is there a support group for victims and their families?

The Valley Fever Survivor Support Group meets at 6:30 p.m. the

fourth Wednesday of the month in the west auditorium at Phoenix

Baptist Hospital, 2000 W. Bethany Home Road.

More information: www .valleyfeversurvivor.com /support.html.