Question

What is the epidemiology of valley fever (coccidioidomycosis)?

Answer 1

Epidemiology of valley fever (coccidioidomycosis)

Valley fever or coccidioidomycosis is an infection caused by the fungus coccidioides. The disease is also know as san Joaquin valley fever or desert rheumatic fever. The fungus is known to be found in soil south west united states, parts of Mexico and central and south America..

Agent

Coccidiodes(fungus )

Source of infection

• Soil contaminated with spores of fungus
• Infected people and animals

Host factors

• Can occur in any age group but common in people above 60 years of age
• Also common in immunodeficient persons

Mode of transmission

• Respiratory route
• Infection also spread through wound

Incubation period

1-3 weeks after exposure

Signs and symptoms

• Fatigue
• Cough
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Headache
• Night sweats
• Muscle ache and joint pain
• Rashes on upper body or legs

Diagnosis

• Medical and travel history
• Symptoms
• Physical examination
• Laboratory test to identity coccidioides
• Chest x-ray
• CT chest

Treatment

• Antifungal medications
• Symptomatic management

Prevention and control

• Maintain personal hygiene
• Use mask while working with soil
• Wound hygiene
• Isolation of cases