November 7, 2025 – MADERA, Calif. – As autumn settles into California’s Central Valley, health experts are warning families to remain alert to the threat of Valley fever – a fungal infection that can pose serious risks to children.
Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, occurs when people inhale spores from dry, disturbed soil. These spores can become airborne during activities such as construction, farming or even outdoor play. The Central Valley’s arid conditions make it a hotspot for exposure.
“Children are more at risk because they’re small and often crawl, roll or play on the ground. Recognizing symptoms early is key to ensuring timely treatment and preventing complications,” says Dr. Vini Vijayan, Valley Children’s pediatric infectious diseases specialist…