A respiratory virus, being referred to as the valley fever, is currently afflicting both travelers to and residents of Arizona. This is especially concerning due to the fact that many summer travelers are currently making their way to Arizona.

Fever Is Potentially Life Threatening
Valley fever, has the potential to turn into a life-threatening respiratory virus, if the afflicted individual goes without treatment. Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Medicine are currently working hard to create a vaccine. Dr. John Galgiani, who serves as the head of the universities Fever Department, is leading the effort toward finding a proper vaccine.

Susceptibility Increases During Monsoon Season
What health authorities do know, is that the fever arises from rodent waste that contains spores, particularly in wet climates. This means that susceptibility to the lung infection rises during colder months, particularly from June and on into winter (monsoon season). Experts, such as Dr. Galgiani, believe that rain is suitable for promoting the fungus’s growth. By the time the hotter months come around, many of these spores are then released as airborne fungi.

Experts originally assumed that the fungus used dust as a conduit, but now know that these spores are contained within the air. Dr. Galgiani elaborated on how these spores may remain within the air for “long periods of time”. The process of falling victim to Valley fever begins as soon as the individual inhales a spore. A period of about 1-3 weeks will then transpire, before the individual gets sick. The important thing is that individuals are conscious of any symptoms: fatigue, rashes, sweats, leg and arm joint discomfort. If an individual is in fact diagnosed with valley fever, it is important to begin treatment as early as possible for the infection to be eradicated.