According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), “Valley fever is on the rise in California with over 5,500 provisional cases reported through the first six months of 2025,” following a record high of 12,500 reported cases in 2024.
There have been a total of 275 total cases reported across San Joaquin county.
Valley fever is underdiagnosed with the CDC estimating that the true burden of the illness is between 206,000 and 360,000 cases nationwide in contrast to the yearly average of 20,000 reported cases.
The CDPH website explains that Valley Fever is caused by a particular fungus most commonly found in the central valley and central coast soil.
This fungus thrives in extreme dry and wet seasons. In the colder, wetter months, the fungus breeds in the damp soil. When that soil dries up, the spores are released into the air when the dirt is disturbed by things like crop harvests, construction, and high winds.
According to the CDC, symptoms include “fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, night sweats, muscle aches or joint pain and rash.” Symptoms may also be delayed after the initial exposure.
“People who do get sick usually develop
symptoms 1−3 weeks after breathing in the fungus,”according to the CDPH
While symptoms can last from a few weeks to a few months, the CDC also notes those who have had it may experience symptoms for much longer periods, especially in severe cases.
According to the CDPH, those most vulnerable to Valley Fever are immunocompromised people and people aged 60 and older.
Risk of catching Valley Fever can be mitigated by minimizing time in dusty areas and wearing a mask or respirator when working in or around dirt.
