Loading...
Coccidioides is endemic to central and southern California. Human infection can result from the inhalation of spores, which are rendered airborne by soil disruption. Although infection may be asymptomatic, in some outbreaks, even very brief exposure has led to symptomatic disease.
In March 2013, two cases of “valley fever” resulting from work exposures 14 months earlier were reported to the California Department of Public Health. One patient was a cast member, the other part of the crew, at an outdoor television filming event; neither individual had been directly involved in soil disruption. These two patients were prompted to seek attention by a letter from their employer reporting the diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis in another person worki…