As a dermatologist I don’t typically diagnose or treat Valley fever directly—but I’ve been watching the sharp increase in local cases this past year with growing concern. According to public health officials, 482 cases were reported in 2024, making it the highest number on record for our county. That’s nearly double what we saw in 2023, and it surpasses the previous high of 445 cases back in 2017.

I may not specialize in infectious disease, but I care deeply about the health of our community—and when something like this starts affecting more and more people around us, it’s important for all of us in the healthcare field to raise awareness.

Valley fever is caused by a fungus called Coccidioides, which lives in the soil here in SLO County and throughout much of the Central Valley and southwestern U.S. When dirt or dust gets stirred up—by wind, construction, or even recreational activities—those fungal spores can become airborne. If inhaled, they can cause an infection in the lungs that often feels like the flu: fatigue, cough, fever, and body aches.

Now here’s the tricky part—many people (up to 60%) don’t have symptoms at all. Others (around 30–40%) may feel sick for a few weeks and then recover without treatment. But in rare cases (about 1%), the illness becomes more severe, spreading beyond the lungs and requiring more intensive care.

What’s contributing to the rise in cases? Experts say the pattern is tied to the environment. After a dry spell followed by heavy rain—something we’ve experienced recently—the fungus can thrive, increasing the risk of exposure for everyone.

Even though I don’t treat Valley fever, I often see patients who work or spend time outdoors, and I’ve started reminding them to take basic precautions. Simple steps can help lower your risk:

• Avoid dusty areas, especially on windy days.
• Wear an N95 mask when working outside or around loose soil.
• Dampen dirt before digging or gardening.
• Keep car windows closed and set your A/C to recirculate if you’re driving through a dusty area.

It’s also important to know that Valley fever isn’t contagious. You can’t catch it from another person or animal. That said, pets like dogs and cats can get it the same way we do—by inhaling dust containing the spores—so it’s worth being mindful of their exposure too.

As someone who sees patients every day and lives in this community, I want to echo what our health leaders are saying: if you’re not feeling well and symptoms linger for more than a week or two, talk to your provider. Don’t brush it off as “just a cold.” A simple test might help catch Valley fever early.

Stay safe, stay informed—and let’s look out for one another.