Valley Fever Emerges as New Epidemic on the West Coast

Valley Fever, a deadly lung infection caused by the fungus coccidioides, is surging on the West Coast, particularly in Arizona and California, with cases rising significantly. The disease, which can be misdiagnosed as pneumonia, has no preventative vaccine, but efforts are underway to develop one, including a $33 million NIH-funded project at the University of Arizona. The infection, which can become severe and spread to other body parts, is expected to increase due to climate change, potentially affecting more states in the future.