Valley Fever Information for Healthcare Providers

If you suspect coccidioidomycosis or have a case of coccidioidomycosis you would like to discuss, experts are available to consult at the Valley Fever Center for Excellence.

Coccidioidomycosis is almost always caused by inhalation of the Coccidioides fungi found naturally in the environment.  The fungus is found in the soil throughout the southwestern United States (Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah) and in Central and South America. Coccidioides has also been found in other parts of the United States including south-central Washington.

  1. Signs and Symptoms
  2. Diagnostics
  3. Treatment
  4. Resources

The incubation period is 1-4 weeks; however, most individuals with coccidioidomycosis are asymptomatic. Only 40% of individuals with coccidioidomycosis experience symptoms. No specific signs or symptoms of coccidioidomycosis are pathognomonic and the disease can often resemble influenza, COVID-19, acute bronchitis, or pneumonia. Coccidioidomycosis is also a common cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in highly endemic regions.

Some individuals with coccidioidomycosis may have dermatologic or rheumatologic complaints.  Coccidioidomycosis should be considered if an individual traveled to an endemic region within 1-2 months of developing CAP, dermatologic, or rheumatologic signs and symptoms.

Dissemination:

In rare instances, coccidioidomycosis disseminates from the lungs to other tissues, most commonly the skin, but may also disseminate to bones, joints, and meninges.

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  1. Office of Epidemiology & Data Services

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    4041 N Central Avenue
    Phoenix, AZ 85012

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602-506-3747

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602-372-8935