Riverside University Health System — Public Health (RUHS-PH) officials are alerting the public to an increase in Valley fever cases in Riverside County.
Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection caused by inhaling fungal spores found in soil and dust, particularly in dry, windy conditions. The spores can be carried in the air when soil is disturbed, putting outdoor workers, construction crews, farmworkers, wildland firefighters, and people spending time in dusty environments at risk.
Riverside County confirmed 465 cases in 2024. So far this year, 322 cases have been reported– a 58% rise from the same time period last year that mirrors increases across the state related to changes in climate. RUHS – PH conducted interviews of 309 people with Valley fever; of those 59%
