MamasHealth.com Home Infectious Information Adenovirus Anthrax Avian Flu Battle the Cold Black Fever Bronchitis Chicken Pox Cholera Colds and Cruises Cold Season Croup Cytomegalovirus Dengue Fever Diphtheria Ear Infection Ebola Epiglottitis Fight the Flu Flu Flu Vaccine Glandular Fever Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Laryngitis Leprosy Lice Lyme Disease Mad Cow Disease Malaria Measles Meningitis Mono Mumps Pink Eye Pinworms Pneumonia Polio Rabies Rheumataic Fever Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever RSV Sarcoidosis SARS Shigella Enteritis Scarlet Fever Smallpox Sore Throat Stomach Flu Strep Throat Super Infections Tetanus Thrush Tonsilitis Tuberculosis Typhoid Fever Valley Fever West Nile Virus Whooping Cough Yellow Fever Links Email Mama Tips to get more vacation time Food borne illnesses Parasitic infections Sign up for the MamasHealth Newsletter	What is Valley Fever? Valley fever is a type of fungus infection. Valley fever usually affects the lungs. In severe cases, it can cause death. Valley fever is also called coccidioidomycosis and disseminated valley fever. What causes Valley Fever? Valley fever is caused by the fungus called Coccidioides immitis. It lives in soil and is spread via inhalation of airborne spores. If soil containing the valley fever fungus is disturbed by construction, natural disasters, or wind, the fungus spores get into the air. When people breathe in the spores, they can develop valley fever. Valley fever is not spread from person to person. The fungus that causes valley fever is commonly found in the soil of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. Symptoms of Valley Fever? In most cases, symptoms are not present. When symptoms are present, the most common symptoms of valley fever are: fever fatigue cough rash loss of appetite night sweating chest pain muscle aches and pains Who is at risk for Developing Valley Fever? Anyone can develop valley fever. However, farmers, construction workers, and others who engage in activities that disturb the soil are at highest risk for valley fever. People with compromised immune systems are also at a higher risk for contracting valley fever. How is Valley Fever Diagnosed? Valley fever is diagnosed through blood tests. Can Valley Fever be Treated? Yes. Valley fever is can be treated with fungus-killing medicines. Can Valley fever be prevented? Currently, there is no vaccine against valley fever.	Featured Book
	Health Topic: Tummy Tuck Surgery: What No One Tells You Medicare Part D: Everything you need to know Worst date story: "Sobbing and scandal " How to choose the best weight loss program Easy flirting tips How to deal with a stubborn husband or boyfriend Surviving a financial crisis Save money in the kitchen Inexpensive health insurance
	Information obtained from MamasHealth.com™ should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner, nor should it be inferred as such. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about a specific condition. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use. Contact us: PO Box 2170, Pasadena, CA 91102-2170 If you want a review of your product featured on MamasHealth.com, let us know. ©2000 - 2008 MamasHealth.com™. All rights reserved