The budget includes $8 million for research and outreach into the disease, caused by inhaling spores that grow in arid soil.
Just One Breath
The antifungal drugs used to treat valley fever can cause hair loss. With the number of valley fever cases on the rise, a wig shop in Bakersfield, Calif., is helping women feel better about themselves.
Recently signed legislation capped a big year for efforts to combat a regional disease long overlooked by lawmakers.
Research suggests an alarming link between a common drug used for valley fever and birth defects. The disease also tends to be more severe in pregnant women.
‘Eureka moment’ in valley fever case paves way for new research, treatment options.
Researchers have been trying to understand valley fever for decades, but the playing field remained small until recently.
Former California Gov. Jerry Brown pledged $8 million in state money to fight valley fever in the final 2018-2019 budget, split between the University of California and the new Valley Fever Institute.
Although still unknown outside of the American west, valley fever is a severe fungal infection — and its territory may expand as the climate warms.
The Center for Health Journalism's “Just One Breath” collaborative brought together outlets from across California to report on the overlooked threat of valley fever.