Cases of ‘Valley Fever’ in California Rose Last Year
In 2010, California had more than 4,000 cases of "valley fever," compared with roughly 2,000 cases in 2009, according to state data. Valley fever is caused by breathing in a fungus spore, which can generate flu-like symptoms. Individuals with cancer and HIV are most at risk for contracting valley fever, for which there is no vaccine.
- "County Sees Boost in 'Valley Fever' Cases" (Brambila, Palm Springs Desert Sun, 2/23).