What is 'Valley Fever'? Travelers, be aware!

Have you been to the United States, especially the southwest US, or to Central or South America? Or are you planning to go to such a country? Then it is very important for you to be aware of what I am going to say. Imagine that you have a fever, cough, and body aches for a few days. You may think that this is a common cold. However, if you have been to those areas, it is possible that this is a fungal infection called 'valley fever' or Valley Fever . Don't worry, let's talk about this simply.

What exactly is 'Valley Fever'?

Simply put, Valley Fever is a fungal infection that affects your lungs. It is caused by a type of fungus called Coccidioides (KOCK-SI-DE-OY-DIES). This fungus lives in the soil. But not in Sri Lanka. It is most commonly found in the southwestern parts of the United States (like California and Arizona), parts of Washington state, and in the soil of Central and South America.

So how does this get into our bodies? Think of it like a strong wind blowing in our direction, stirring up dust, or when the soil is stirred up by digging, construction, or strong winds in those areas, tiny spores of this fungus in the soil get into the air. When we breathe that air, those spores go into our lungs and start growing there. That's how this infection occurs.

Be aware of these symptoms.

Most of the time, this fungus doesn't show any symptoms even when it enters the body. However, if symptoms do appear, they are very similar to the symptoms of a common cold. This is why many people confuse it.

Who is at higher risk?

Anyone who inhales the Coccidioides fungus can get the disease. However, some people are more likely to develop severe symptoms or complications.

• People over 60 years of age: As you age, the immune system may become somewhat less effective.
• Pregnant mothers: Especially for mothers in the third trimester of pregnancy.
• Immunocompromised: People with conditions such as HIV/AIDS, those undergoing treatment for cancer, or those taking medications that suppress the immune system such as immunosuppressants are at increased risk.
• People with diabetes.
• People of certain ethnicities: Research has shown that blacks and Filipinos are at a higher risk of developing this disease.
• People who work with dust: People who work in dusty environments, such as archaeologists and construction workers, are more likely to be exposed.

Can this be serious? What are the complications?

Most people (about 90-95 out of 100) who get Valley Fever do not develop serious illness and recover on their own within a few weeks or months. However, a very small number of people may develop complications.

• Long-term lung infection: In some people, this infection can persist in the lungs. This can cause symptoms such as a chronic cough, chest pain, and weight loss.
• Pneumonia: A severe lung infection can occur.
• Disseminated coccidioidomycosis: This is the most dangerous complication. In this case, the fungus can leave the lungs and spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, such as the bones, joints, skin, and brain .

How do you find this, Doctor?

If you have been to an area where Valley Fever is common and have had flu-like symptoms for more than a week, it is important to tell your doctor. Your travel history is very important in diagnosing this disease.

The doctor may recommend several tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• Blood tests: This is the most commonly used method. It looks for antibodies your body makes against the Coccidioides fungus or for parts of the fungus (antigens) in your blood.
• Chest X-ray or CT scan: To check for signs of infection in the lungs.
• Biopsy: Very rarely, a small piece of tissue is taken from the skin or lungs and examined under a microscope to see if the fungus is present.

How is it treated?

Treatment is determined by the severity of the disease.

• Most people don't need treatment: If your symptoms aren't severe, your body's immune system can control the infection on its own. Your doctor will tell you to rest and monitor your symptoms.
• Antifungal medications: If the infection is severe, spreading, or if you have other risk factors, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications. These may include pills like Fluconazole, Itraconazole, or, in more severe cases, intravenous medications like Amphotericin B.

This treatment usually takes 3 to 6 months or even longer.

When should you seek immediate medical advice?

If you have been diagnosed with Valley Fever, go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms. These may be signs that the infection is spreading.

• Blood in saliva
• Neck stiffness and severe headache
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Sudden changes in vision or hearing

How to protect yourself?

If you live in or travel to an area where the Coccidioides fungus is common, it's difficult to avoid it completely. But you can do these things to reduce your risk:

• Avoid dusty areas: Avoid going out, especially during construction sites and dust storms.
• Stay indoors with the windows closed during dust storms.
• If you are working in the garden or digging, wear an N95 mask.
• It would be better if you could use a `HEPA` filter that purifies the air in your home.