When the fungal spores are kicked up in dirt, they can enter the lungs and cause the disease, resulting in pneumonia-like symptoms.
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When soil that’s contaminated with cocci is kicked up or otherwise disturbed, infectious spores — that is, tiny particles — are released into the air and can be inhaled by people and animals. From there, cocci can enter the lungs and cause the disease known as valley fever , resulting in symptoms that resemble pneumonia.
“We’re going into the season for valley fever right now,” state epidemiologist Cooksey warned health professionals in mid-August — noting that it was “definitely time to watch out for increases.”The symptoms of valley fever can last for anywhere from a week to a few months, but health officials advise thatNo: Valley fever is a respiratory disease, but it isn’t contagious in the way that COVID-19 or the flu is.
The agency also recommended using air filtration or air conditioning indoors and avoiding activities like gardening that involve “contact with soil.” UC San Diego’s Heaney noted that when activities like gardening or construction are unavoidable, “wetting down soil before doing any of that disruption can help prevent the emission of dust” and help reduce your valley fever risks.
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