Valley fever infects more than 13,000 people annually in Arizona and California and kills more than 100. Yet the two states spend less on public awareness about the disease in one year than what the Bakersfield City School District spends on lunch milk for a month and less than what Pima County’s Parks and Recreation Department spent on janitorial supplies in 2016.
Tag: John Galgiani
Posted inCountywide, Top Stories
New Valley Fever Test Shows Promise, but Obstacles Remain
A new skin test called Spherusol can detect whether a person has developed a natural immunity to valley fever, a sometimes fatal disease caused fungal spores in soil. But despite its promise, the test isn’t in wide use.
Posted inTop Stories
A Chance to Be Heard
Top federal health officials are traveling to Bakersfield this week to hear the stories of valley fever survivors and discuss how to bring greater awareness of and funding for the sometimes crippling disease.
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Top Stories
Five Ways to Advance the Fight Against Valley Fever Epidemic
Getting more attention for Valley Fever, which has reached epidemic proportions in parts of California’s Central Valley, will require a coordinated effort among doctors, drug companies and patient groups.
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Top Stories
Valley Fever: The Death Toll Is Rising for the ‘Orphan Disease’
More people are dying from valley fever than previously thought. Elderly and immunosuppressed people are most at risk.
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Top Stories
Valley Fever Cases Increase, Yet Vaccine Remains Elusive
Up to 150,000 people are stricken with the potentially fatal disease each year, yet the government and the pharmaceuticals industry won’t fund research for a vaccine.
