Valley fever cases have continued to rise in California in 2025, following a record high number of reported cases in 2024. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is urging residents, visitors, and healthcare providers to be alert during Valley Fever Awareness Month.
Valley fever, also called coccidioidomycosis or “cocci,” is caused by a fungus that grows in soil and dirt in certain areas of California, particularly the Central Valley and Central Coast. The illness can cause symptoms similar to COVID-19 or the flu, as well as serious lung infections such as pneumonia. People who live, work, attend school, or travel in these regions are at risk.
“California had a record year for Valley fever in 2024 and, so far, case counts are high in 2025. Valley fever is a serious illness that’s here to stay in California. 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,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan. “If you have been sick with symptoms like cough, fever, trouble breathing, and tiredness for more than 7 to 10 days, please talk to a healthcare provider about Valley fever, especially if you’ve been outdoors in dusty air in the Central Valley or Central Coast regions.”
More than 5,500 provisional cases were reported through the first six months of 2025. In comparison, nearly 12,500 cases were reported statewide in 2024—the highest on record—marking an increase from the annual average of between 7,000 and 9,000 cases from 2017 through 2023. While rates remain highest in the southern San Joaquin Valley region, other areas such as the northern Central Valley and Central Coast have also seen increases.
Experts believe that climate changes may be contributing to the rising numbers. Wet winters after periods of drought allow the fungus to grow more easily; dry and windy conditions later can release fungal spores into the air. Increased construction activity and other disturbances of soil may also play a role.
The CDPH advises people living or traveling through affected areas to take precautions when outdoor dust levels are high: staying indoors with windows closed during windy weather; keeping car windows up when driving through dusty locations; wetting soil before digging; and considering N95 respirators when exposure cannot be avoided.
Valley fever is not contagious between people or animals but can be contracted by inhaling airborne fungal spores from disturbed soil or dust. The disease can be difficult both to prevent and diagnose because its symptoms often resemble those of other respiratory illnesses.
Diagnosis requires medical evaluation with laboratory testing. Severe cases may require hospitalization and can result in long-term health problems or death. Risk factors for severe illness include being over age 60, having diabetes or weakened immune systems, pregnancy status, as well as being Black or Filipino—a disparity possibly linked to underlying health conditions or inequities.
The CDPH encourages individuals who experience prolonged respiratory symptoms—especially after potential exposure—to consult their doctor about possible Valley fever infection. Healthcare providers are directed to updated guidelines available on the CDPH website for diagnosis and management information.
For further details about prevention tips and resources for both patients and clinicians regarding Valley fever visit https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/nvalleyfever.aspx
