Valley fever cases are on the rise across California. Who is most at risk?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- California reports over 5,500 Valley fever cases in 2025 amid rising spread.
- Risk increases for people over 60.
- Officials urge dust avoidance and mask use in high-risk areas to reduce exposure.
Valley fever cases are on the rise across California, according to public health officials.
After a record year in 2024, Valley fever risk remains high in 2025, the California Department of Public Health said.
“Valley fever is a serious illness that’s here to stay in California,” State Public Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan, the agency’s director, said in an Aug. 14 news release. “We want to remind Californians, travelers to California, and their healthcare providers to watch for signs and symptoms of Valley fever to help detect it early.”
As of Thursday, Aug. 14, more than 5,500 cases of Valley fever had been reported in California so far this year.
In 2024, California had nearly 12,500 cases of Valley fever — the most ever recorded, according to the state health department.
In comparison, the state saw 7,000 to 9,000 Valley Fever cases each year from 2017 to 2023, the health agency said.
While Valley fever is most common in southern San Joaquin Valley, more people are getting sick in other areas, including the Central Valley and Central Coast.
Here’s who’s most at risk for Valley fever — and what symptoms to watch for:
What is Valley fever?
Valley fever — also called “cocci” or coccidioidomycosis — is a disease caused by a fungus that lives in the soil in parts of California and the southwestern parts of the United States, according to the California Department of Public Health.
What causes fungal disease?
People and animals can get sick by breathing in dust containing the fungus, according to the state Public Health Department.
It usually affects the lungs and can cause symptoms similar to COVID-19 or flu.
What are Valley fever symptoms?
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, common symptoms of Valley fever include:
- Cough
- Fever
- Pain in the chest
- Fatigue or a constant feeling of exhaustion
Who is most at risk for Valley fever?
Valley fever gets its name from California’s San Joaquin Valley.
Valley fever is most common in Kern, Kings, San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Tulare, Madera and Monterey counties.
“People who live, work, go to school, or travel in areas where Valley fever is common are at risk of becoming sick,” the state health department said.
According to the CDC, these groups are at a higher risk for Valley fever:
- People with HIV/AIDS
- People with organ transplants
- People taking corticosteroids or TNF-inhibitors medications
- Pregnant people
- People with diabetes
- People over age 60
According to the CDC and the Cleveland Clinic, Black and Filipino people are at a higher risk for Valley Fever than others.
Is Valley fever contagious?
According to the CDC, Valley fever isn’t contagious and cannot spread from person to person — or from animal to person — through the lungs.
In “extremely rare cases,” an infected wound could transmit the fungus to someone else, the CDC said.
It’s also possible, though rare, for the infection to spread through an organ transplant from an infected donor, the federal health agency said.
Can my pet get valley fever?
According to the CDC, dogs are at risk for Valley fever.
However, infections cannot be transmitted between people and animals.
How can I reduce risk of Valley fever?
Valley fever is difficult to avoid because the fungus that causes it naturally lives in the soil in areas where the disease is common, according to the CDC.
“Scientists are continuing to work on a vaccine to prevent Valley fever with minimal side effects,” the CDC said.
As of Thursday, Aug. 14, there was no vaccine available to prevent Valley fever.
To minimize exposure to Valley fever, follow these tips from the CDC:
- Avoid dusty areas, such as construction or excavation sites.
- Wear a well-fitted N95 mask.
- Stay indoors and keep windows closed.
- Limit activities that include soil, such as gardening.
- Use air filters indoors to reduce dust exposure.
- Clean cuts or skin injuries thoroughly with soap and water.
“Health care providers may prescribe antifungal medications to prevent infections in people at increased risk due to health conditions,” the CDC said.
This story was originally published August 15, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Valley fever cases are on the rise across California. Who is most at risk?."
