General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

Fact sheetMushrooms

Coccidioidomycosis

Coccidioidomycosis, also known as valley fever, is acquired by breathing Coccidioides spores present in soil in certain parts of the Americas.

Documentary Enrichment: · General information

Essentials

Pulmonary mycosis acquired by inhalation of spores from dry soils in certain parts of the Americas.

Agent
Coccidioides spp.
Transmission or exposure
Environment · Respiratory tract

Situation and vulnerability

Many people at risk do not become ill. Some develop prolonged lung infection or, more rarely, spread to other organs.

Signs and limits of their interpretation

Fatigue, cough, fever, shortness of breath, joint pain and rash are possible. Their resemblance to other pneumonias may delay diagnosis.

Diagnosis and monitoring

Blood tests and sometimes respiratory or tissue samples contribute to the diagnosis. The professional interprets the results with the stay and evolution.

Official sources consulted on . Documentary summary, without medical rereading.

Check these markers in the CDC reference →

Prevention and care

Report the place of residence and dust exposures during the assessment of pneumonia. Some infections heal spontaneously; serious forms require antifungals and sometimes hospitalization.

Practical issues

Can relatives catch him with the sick person?

The disease is not transmitted between people or between people and animals according to the CDC. Cases of the same area may reflect exposure to soil containing the fungus.

Preparing for an exchange with a professional

  • Region and dates of travel
  • Dust, work and outdoor activities
  • Cough development and treatment received

Bring the full minutes and dates. This information facilitates evaluation; its collection must not delay an urgent appeal.

Individual decisionThe choice of a test, treatment or prevention depends on the local situation and recommendations. In case of distress, call 911.
An open window in an empty consultation room, natural light and spaced chairs. AI-generated illustration.
Prevention illustration — Coccidioïdomycose — An open window in an empty consultation room, natural light and spaced chairs.
Image generated by artificial intelligence. AI illustration; it does not depict a disease, biological agent or diagnosis.

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Related fact sheets

These sheets share ways or contexts of exhibition in our catalogue. This reconciliation does not establish a differential diagnosis.

Compare Coccidioidomycosis with associated plugs →

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Further reading

These publications help you verify the concepts discussed. Disease records and directory entries each identify their sources.

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