NM Health Dept. launches valley fever initiative

[Guest guest]

NM Health Dept. launches valley fever initiative

Associated Press - May 9, 2010 1:55 PM ET

http://www.newswest9.com/Global/story.asp?S=12452898

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) - A disease known as Valley Fever is prevalent in

neighboring states but probably underreported in New Mexico, so state health

officials are launching a new initiative aimed at finding more cases of the

illness.

State epidemiologist Dr. Chad Smelser says recent assessments have shown that a

fungus called coccidioides is prevalent in Chihuahuan desert soils and is spread

by wind storms.

The fungus can cause Valley Fever, which can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis,

skin rashes and tumors.

The state's new initiative will teach medical providers to test for and treat

the disease.

Smelser says the number of cases reported in New Mexico will likely increase

once providers start testing for the disease.

New Mexico reports only 40 to 60 cases each year. Arizona, for example, reported

more than 10,000 cases last year.

[Guest guest]

10,000! gee that's alot.

>

> NM Health Dept. launches valley fever initiative

>

> Associated Press - May 9, 2010 1:55 PM ET

>

> http://www.newswest9.com/Global/story.asp?S=12452898

>

> LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) - A disease known as Valley Fever is prevalent in

neighboring states but probably underreported in New Mexico, so state health

officials are launching a new initiative aimed at finding more cases of the

illness.

>

> State epidemiologist Dr. Chad Smelser says recent assessments have shown that

a fungus called coccidioides is prevalent in Chihuahuan desert soils and is

spread by wind storms.

>

> The fungus can cause Valley Fever, which can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis,

skin rashes and tumors.

>

> The state's new initiative will teach medical providers to test for and treat

the disease.

>

> Smelser says the number of cases reported in New Mexico will likely increase

once providers start testing for the disease.

>

> New Mexico reports only 40 to 60 cases each year. Arizona, for example,

reported more than 10,000 cases last year.

>