Valley fever, also known as coccidiomycosis, is a common fungal infection prevalent in the southwestern United States. The infection typically affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body, posing significant health risks, especially for children.
Valley fever is often misdiagnosed, delaying treatment when needed. Identifying Valley fever in children can be challenging since the symptoms are often similar to that of many other respiratory illnesses.
Recognizing the signs: Common symptoms include a persistent or recurring fever, a dry cough, fatigue, chest pain, rash with raised red bumps, joint pain, or headaches. Symptoms may appear one to three weeks post-exposure.
What to expect at the doctor: Early diagnosis is crucial. Tests include blood tests for antibodies, chest x-rays for lung abnormalities, and sputum cultures to identify fungal spores. Treatment depends on infection severity.
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