‘Catastrophic’ Increase In Valley Fever Cases Linked To Climate Change
The Valley fever fungus typically infects the lungs after spores are inhaled, producing a persistent cough and chest pain or other flu-like symptoms that can require months of treatment. In recent years, a growing number of dust storms in California have spread the fungal spores far beyond the Central Valley, where the infections traditionally have been concentrated. Meanwhile, San Diego public health officials are busy pushing people to get flu shots following last year's particularly deadly season.
CALmatters:
With Climate Change, Valley Fever Spreads In California—And This Year Could Be The Worst Yet
The number of reported Valley fever cases set a record in California in 2016, with more than 6,000 infections. That number jumped to 8,103 in 2017, an increase of more than a third—growth many experts link to climate change. This year could be the worst yet. (Gorn, 9/25)
KPBS:
Following Deadly Flu Season, San Diego Health Officials Urge Vaccination
Following one of San Diego County’s deadliest flu seasons on record, health officials are urging everyone six months and older to get vaccinated now as a new season gets underway. Last winter and spring, 342 people in the county died from flu-related complications, including two children, according to the County Health and Human Services Agency. (Murphy, 9/28)
And in other public health news —
WBUR:
Working While Homeless: A Tough Job For Thousands Of Californians
A 2017 survey of the homeless population in San Francisco found 13 percent of respondents reporting part or full-time employment. That's in a city with an estimated 7,499 people experiencing homelessness. This year, an estimated 10 percent of the 4,990 people living unsheltered in San Diego said they were currently working. (Wagner, 9/30)
Modesto Bee:
Homeless Camp At Beard Brook Park Is Working, But The City Is Looking To Move It
Modesto officials say allowing homeless people to camp in Beard Brook Park on a temporary basis has worked well but acknowledge it is not the ideal location and are working on finding an alternative. The city opened the park to homeless campers Sept. 18 after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals — whose jurisdiction includes California — ruled Sept. 4 that prosecuting people for sleeping on public property because there are not enough shelter beds or other alternatives amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. (Valine and Ahumada, 9/29)