As Arizona experiences more monsoon storm activity, Banner Health experts are cautioning the public about the risks of Valley fever, a potentially dangerous disease that is endemic to the Southwest. Two-thirds of Valley fever infections in the U.S. happen in Arizona, mostly in Phoenix and Tucson. Through increased provider knowledge, public education and prevention, and by leading research on the disease, Banner Health is paving the way in what care looks like for communities that live in desert environments susceptible to Valley fever.
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Valley fever is a respiratory infection caused by inhaling microscopic spores of a fungus, Coccidioides. Because of the significant dust storms that often occur during Arizona’s monsoon season, residents may face an increased risk of acquiring Valley fever since the combination of dry desert soil and wind can result in more fungus spores spreading through the air over large distances…