"Unveiling the Truth: Debunking Valley Fever Myths Amid California's Changing Climate"
A new study by TGen in the Phoenix area has debunked the common belief that haboobs or dust storms increase the risk of Valley fever, a fungal infection. Analysis of over 5,200 air filters showed no difference in the prevalence of the fungus before or after such events. The study suggests that local activities like development or construction may be responsible for lifting spores from the soil and spreading them in the air. TGen is now sequencing the fungus to identify different strains across the desert southwest, aiming to improve public information and prevent the spread of the spores.