Living here in Utah, I’ve always been aware of the beauty and the harshness of our desert landscapes. But I never imagined that beneath my feet, an invisible threat lurked.
Sickness that Plagued the Pioneers is Still Around
The “Invisible Epidemic” we’re facing is Valley Fever, a fungal disease that’s spread in desert areas like that found in Southern Utah. Turns out this fungus has been found and made people sick in other parts of the state.
Katharine Walter, PhD, a researcher at the University of Utah is rushing to understand this silent intruder. Valley Fever isn’t contagious like the flu; instead, it sneaks into our lungs through dusty air, particularly on those hot, windy days.
Construction can stir up the soil as well and a wind can whip the spores into the air. It’s a little scary to think that every breath could be a risk, especially for those of us who work outdoors or cherish our hiking trails.
Southern Utah is the Focus of the Study
According to healthcare.utah.edu the “The scientists are focusing their efforts on St. George, UT, the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the nation—and a hotspot for Valley fever.”…