Estimates of valley fever cases recorded by local, state and federal agencies vary so widely that they call into question the accuracy of the figures released to the public, a Center for Health Journalism Collaborative investigation has found.
Tag: valley fever
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 inCountywide, Health & Wellness, Outdoors, Top Stories
Forecasting an Epidemic: How Weather Contributes to Valley Fever Outbreaks
California’s current record-setting drought appears to be exacerbating the ongoing epidemic of valley fever, a sometimes debilitating, and even deadly, disease caused by fungal spores embedded in dry dirt.
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 inTop Stories
Inmates Fear Being Transferred to Prisons in Valley Fever Areas
As prisoners with a higher risk of contracting the potentially deadly disease are being moved out of prisons, others are taking their place. These prisoners and their families are worried.
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Top Stories
Prison Officials Seek Delay of Receiver’s Valley Fever Order
Officials say they need clarification before they can implement a federal receiver’s order to move some inmates from the threat of the disease.
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Top Stories
Some Prison Inmates to Be Moved Out of Valley Fever Hot Spots
Public health experts are applauding a federal directive intended to protect inmates from the potentially deadly disease.
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Top Stories
CDC Confirms Valley Fever Epidemic; Cases Up 850 Percent in California
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed in a new research article that cases of the fungal disease rose at stunning rates.
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Top Stories
Advocates See Hope for New Funding and Laws for Valley Fever
Sufferers of the disease and their families are optimistic despite resignation of state Senator who sponsored legislation to provide funding.
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.
