Valley Fever, a fungal disease spread by dust, is spiking in California this year. And while Lubbock is nowhere near California, we are still in the potential risk zone for the disease.
What Is Valley Fever and How Does It Spread?
According to the CDC, the fungus Coccidioides, which causes Valley Fever, lives in the soil and dust of the southwestern U.S., parts of Washington state, and in Central America.
While outbreaks of the fungus are rare, certain weather conditions can increase the likelihood that people become sick.
Coccidioides grows in soil after heavy rainfall. When conditions become hot and dry, the fungus disperses into the air.…