Just over 2,300 people were diagnosed with Valley fever in 2014, according to the state's data. By 2023, annual cases had more than tripled to more than 9,000. And in just the first six months of this year, 5,370 people were reported to have contracted Valley fever. About a third of this year's cases have been reported in Kern County.
"There's a lot more construction happening up and down the San Joaquin Valley, as we continue to grow in this region. More roads, more solar panels, more homes, all of that is disturbing the soil," Hoyer said.
"We are hopeful in Kern County, given our history of having lots of Valley fever, that our health care providers are really good at looking for it," Hernandez said.
Valley fever symptoms typically show up one to three weeks after exposure, but they may not develop in 60% of patients. Symptoms can resemble COVID-19, including cough, fever, chest pain, headaches, fatigue, rash, and night sweats.
[
Collection
]
[
|
...
]