"Mapping the Spread of Respiratory Illness Through Soil and Dust: Utah Researchers' Findings"

University of Utah researchers are studying the spread of valley fever, a fungal respiratory infection, through soil and dust in Utah. The interdisciplinary team is mapping where the fungus can survive and potentially spread, especially as climate changes. Valley fever is difficult to track and often goes undiagnosed, causing delays in treatment. The team is collecting soil and dust samples from various climate zones and searching for traces of fungus in rodents to understand the risk of infection. The researchers aim to raise awareness and educate the public about the signs, symptoms, and prevention of valley fever, emphasizing the impact of climate change on such diseases.