Valley Fever cases hit record highs

CENTRAL VALLEY — The number of cases of Valley Fever have been trending upward over the past several years, setting records statewide in 2024 and, in some counties, breaking those records already in 2025. 

Tulare County has seen a 52% increase in reported cases in 2025 when compared to 2023-2024, according to the state dashboard. The total number of cases remains fairly low at just 164, but just 145 cases were reported in 2024. That year was a significant jump over 2023 when just 70 cases were reported. 

Fresno County is seeing a larger bump in reported cases. The dashboard shows that the county has seen an increase of 101%, representing 207 cases. In 2024, the county recorded just 195 cases and only 81 cases in 2023. Statewide, Monterey County is reporting the largest increase with an increase of more than 300%. The only counties below 2024 numbers currently are Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego. 

Kern County is the highest in the state with 906 reported cases this year compared to 919 in 2024 and just 533 in 2023. 

Valley Fever is caused by a soil-borne fungus that can infect people and animals who breathe air contaminated with fungal spores. These spores are frequently sent airborne when fields are being prepared for planting. Symptoms include coughing, fever, chest pain and tiredness. Valley Fever is not contagious.

According to the California Department of Public Health, most cases in California are reported in the Central Valley but Central Coast counties have seen a rise in recent years dating back to the early 2010’s. Valley Fever is also found throughout the southwest, stretching to Texas and has also been identified in eastern Oregon. 

Valley Fever is only rarely fatal but can become a recurring illness in people who become infected, which can lead to long term health problems. 

The CDPH recommends that individuals avoid areas where Valley Fever is being reported, particularly on days when the winds are high and dust is in the air. When digging, they advise wetting the soil first to minimize dust. It is also advised that individuals stay upwind of dusty environments, drive with the windows closed and use recirculating air in cars and stay inside with the windows closed on dusty days to avoid becoming infected. 

In most cases, Valley Fever resolves on its own, but individuals who are high risk may require an anti-fungal medication to cure the disease. Individuals at high risk include those who work in jobs where soil is disturbed in areas known to have the fungus, older people, individuals with compromised immune systems, pregnant women and Black or Filipino people, according to CDPH.