From the Daily Mail: Thousands of Americans have been struck down by incurable fungus on the West Coast dubbed a ‘new epidemic’.
Valley Fever – which got its name because a majority of cases are found in Arizona and California – is a deadly lung infection that kills one in 100 people that contract it.
This year, the numbers have spiked to 9,826 in California, which is a 46 percent increase from last year.
Meanwhile, there have been 12,368 reported cases of Valley Fever in Arizona, up from 10,990 cases in 2023, marking an uptick of more than 11 percent.
Experts are now frantically trying to design a human vaccine for the fungus to help stop its spread.
The National Institute of Health recently awarded $33 million to the University of Arizona Valley Fever Center for Excellence to come up with a vaccine.
Its director, Dr John Galgiani, helped develop one for dogs which is still undergoing licensing for commercial marketing. But it is hoped the jab could translate to humans, the Daily Mail wrote.
Symptoms of Valley Fever include:
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Fever and headache
- Shortness of breath
- Night sweats
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Rash on upper body or legs
Experts say there could be a vaccine for Valley Fever within the next decade. https://t.co/XGbbhUUrmm
— 12 News (@12News) November 20, 2024
Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) pushed the necessity of a vaccine to address the disease.
“In 2024, Valley Fever cases in Arizona are up almost 50%. This devastating disease has no known cure. That’s why it’s critical we pass my bipartisan bill to accelerate the development of a human Valley Fever vaccine,” Stanton wrote.
In 2024, Valley Fever cases in Arizona are up almost 50%. This devastating disease has no known cure.
That’s why it’s critical we pass my bipartisan bill to accelerate the development of a human Valley Fever vaccine.https://t.co/lGkSc8h9yf
— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) November 16, 2024
WATCH BELOW for more details:
The Arizona Department of Health has been blasting out warnings.
Did you know #Valleyfever can be fatal?
74 Arizonans died from the disease in 2023. To learn more, view the 2023 Annual Report: https://t.co/OaOrofjRCH #ValleyFeverAwarenessWeek pic.twitter.com/NUTzhOtFBO
— AZ Department of Health (@AZDHS) November 21, 2024
From Nov. 16-24, the Arizona Department of Health Services is celebrating #ValleyFeverAwarenessWeek!
Stay informed and learn more: https://t.co/lb4tPyRjta pic.twitter.com/aY3Q2f0ZjF
— AZ Department of Health (@AZDHS) November 18, 2024
Valley fever cases are up almost 50% in Arizona in 2024. Here’s what to know https://t.co/kBFBUfHqW7
— azcentral (@azcentral) November 15, 2024
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