Scientists are warning that climate change may be contributing to an increase in cases of a dangerous fungal infection in California.
Weather patterns in California, which have been worsened by climate change, may be contributing to an increase in cases of a potentially lethal fungal infection, according to scientists. The Coccidioides fungus resides in soil, and can be contracted by individuals who inhale its airborne spores after it has been picked up by rodents. It should be noted that the infection is not contagious between humans.
Scientists are warning that climate change may be contributing to an increase in cases of a dangerous fungal infection in California. The weather patterns in the state, which have been intensified by climate change, are believed to be a contributing factor to the rise in infections.
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The Coccidioides fungus thrives in soil, where it can be acquired by rodents and subsequently transmitted to individuals who inhale the airborne spores. It is important to note that this fungus is not transmissible from person to person.
Valley Fever, a disease caused by Coccidioides, is experiencing a significant increase in cases within the Western United States. This illness can lead to flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, can even result in death.
In a recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, Alexandra Heaney and her team from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), meticulously documented every case of Valley Fever in California between 2000 and 2021.
The team made an unforeseen discovery regarding the timing and location of the cases.
According to the researchers, there has been a significant increase in the number of cases in recent years. They noted that the cases tripled from 2014 to 2018 and then tripled again from 2018 to 2022.
According to Assistant Professor Heaney from UCSD, it is surprising to note that certain years had very few or no counties experiencing a seasonal peak in Valley fever cases. This is unexpected, considering that most seasonal infectious diseases typically exhibit a yearly peak in cases.
“We were curious about the factors behind these variations in seasonality from year to year, and after observing the timing, we speculated that drought could be a contributing factor,” she explained in a news release from UCSD.
Valley Fever cases experienced a seasonal peak from September to November, although this pattern varied across different counties and years.
According to the team’s report, the counties in the San Joaquin Valley and Central Coast regions of California experienced the most pronounced seasonal peaks. Interestingly, the peaks in the San Joaquin Valley began earlier compared to other areas.
“Health care practitioners can better prepare for new cases by understanding the start and intensity of the Valley fever season,” explained Justin Remais, a professor at UC Berkeley School of Public Health. “Our study is the first to identify the specific timing of disease risk in all of California’s endemic counties, including areas where the disease is newly emerging.”
Valley Fever starts off by infiltrating the lungs through the inhalation of fungal spores. This can lead to significant harm within the respiratory system. Furthermore, the infection has the potential to spread to various other areas of the body, including the skin, bones, and even the brain. Once the infection reaches the brain, the illness becomes extremely dangerous and poses a threat to one’s life.
The UCSD team believes that extended periods of drought could potentially eradicate a significant number of rodents, which are known carriers of Coccidioides.
When the rains come back, the more resilient types of Coccidioides spores that survived the dry period start to reproduce rapidly.
According to Heaney, this study serves as a significant illustration of how climate conditions can impact infectious diseases. Heaney emphasizes that while droughts may initially lead to a decrease in Valley fever cases, the overall effect is an increase in cases over time, especially as we encounter more frequent and severe droughts caused by climate change.
The study is also being extended to locations outside of California.
According to Heaney, Arizona has a higher amount of dust compared to California and has distinct climate dynamics. It is worth noting that around two-thirds of cases in the United States are reported in Arizona. Therefore, researchers are focusing their efforts on understanding the prevalence of Valley fever in this region. This information is crucial for public health officials, physicians, and the general public to take necessary precautions during periods of heightened risk.
To safeguard yourself in the meantime, the authors recommend taking certain precautions. If you are aware that the risk of Valley Fever is elevated, it is advisable to refrain from going outdoors. However, if you must venture outside, make sure to wear a protective mask to prevent inhaling dust particles.
