Valley fever cases in California have continued to rise in 2025, following a record number of reported infections in 2024. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is urging residents, visitors, and healthcare providers to be aware of the risks associated with Valley fever, especially during Valley Fever Awareness Month.
Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is caused by a fungus that lives in soil and dirt in certain parts of California. It is most common in the Central Valley and Central Coast regions. The illness can present symptoms similar to COVID-19 or influenza and may lead to serious lung infections such as pneumonia. People living, working, studying, or traveling through areas where Valley fever is prevalent are at risk for infection.
“California had a record year for Valley fever in 2024 and, so far, case counts are high in 2025. Valley fever is a serious illness that’s here to stay in California. We want to remind Californians, travelers to California, and their healthcare providers to watch for signs and symptoms of Valley fever to help detect it early,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan. “If you have been sick with symptoms like cough, fever, trouble breathing, and tiredness for more than 7 to 10 days, please talk to a healthcare provider about Valley fever, especially if you’ve been outdoors in dusty air in the Central Valley or Central Coast regions.”
According to CDPH data through June 2025, there have been over 5,500 provisional cases reported this year. In 2024 nearly 12,500 cases were documented statewide—the highest annual total on record—marking a significant increase from the annual average of between 7,000 and 9,000 cases recorded from 2017 through 2023. The southern San Joaquin Valley continues to see the highest rates; however, increases are also noted in the northern Central Valley and Central Coast.
Research points toward climate changes as contributing factors behind rising case numbers. Wet winters followed by droughts promote fungal growth while dry winds during summer and fall disperse spores into the air. Activities that disturb soil—such as construction—may also increase exposure risk.
The disease affects both people and pets when they inhale dust containing fungal spores; however it does not spread between individuals or animals directly. To lower risk:
– Stay indoors with windows closed on windy or dusty days.
– Keep car windows shut when driving through dusty environments.
– Wet soil before digging.
– Consider wearing an N95 respirator mask outdoors if dust exposure cannot be avoided.
Diagnosis can be challenging because symptoms often resemble other respiratory illnesses like flu or COVID-19; only medical professionals can confirm infection using laboratory tests. Severe cases may require hospitalization or result in long-term health effects—and sometimes death.
While anyone can contract severe forms of the illness regardless of age or general health status—including young adults—certain groups face higher risks: those aged over sixty years old; people with diabetes; individuals with weakened immune systems; pregnant women; as well as Black or Filipino populations who have shown increased susceptibility due possibly to underlying conditions or health disparities.
Healthcare providers seeking updated diagnostic guidelines are directed by CDPH toward resources including new algorithms from federal agencies such as the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with established clinical practice guidelines for treatment.
More information about prevention strategies is available at CDPH’s Valley Fever website.
