As Arizona experiences more monsoon storm activity, Banner Health experts are cautioning the public about the risks of Valley fever, a potentially dangerous disease that is endemic to the Southwest. Two-thirds of Valley fever infections in the U.S. happen in Arizona, mostly in Phoenix and Tucson. Through increased provider knowledge, public education and prevention, and by leading research on the disease, Banner Health is paving the way in what care looks like for communities that live in desert environments susceptible to Valley fever.

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Valley fever is a respiratory infection caused by inhaling microscopic spores of a fungus, Coccidioides. Because of the significant dust storms that often occur during Arizona’s monsoon season, residents may face an increased risk of acquiring Valley fever since the combination of dry desert soil and wind can result in more fungus spores spreading through the air over large distances. 

“While many people infected by Valley fever may not require medical treatment, it can wreak havoc in some cases for those with compromised immune systems or other pre-existing conditions,” said John Galgiani, MD, director for the Banner — University Medicine Valley Fever Program and director of the Valley Fever Center for Excellence, professor at both University of Arizona Colleges of Medicine — Tucson and Phoenix. “It’s also important to understand that there is always a risk of acquiring Valley fever here, not just when there are dust storms or windy conditions.”

Valley fever often goes undetected and can appear indistinguishable from COVID-19, bacterial pneumonia, and even lung cancer without specific testing. To address this, Banner Urgent Care expanded its testing for Valley fever — now, patients who have pneumonia or red bumps on their shins and also live in an area where the disease is common will automatically receive a test. The testing protocol also considers other scenarios for patients who present with other symptoms or factors that could be indicative of a Valley fever infection. Even when treatment is not needed, knowing that Valley fever is the cause of a patient’s illness often reduces the need for repeated or unnecessary tests that can be costly — another way Banner is reducing overall health spending for patients.

“Because symptoms can vary in severity and the fact that the disease can lead to serious complications if it progresses unchecked, it’s extremely important that we ensure accurate diagnoses to rule out Valley fever for our patients,” said Robert Johns, DO, medical director of Banner Urgent Care. “Through our expanded testing protocol and increased public awareness, we’re striving to help the community avoid unnecessary antibiotic use and stay safe from the disease through early detection and proper follow up.”

Common Valley fever symptoms include:

• Persistent cough and chest pain

• Skin rashes

• Joint pain and muscle aches

• Fever and fatigue

• Respiratory issues

Anyone can acquire Valley fever, including children and pets. The disease is not contagious, and those who have been infected acquire lifetime immunity to a second infection. The University of Arizona’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence discovered a vaccine that is in development by Anivive Lifesciences for dogs and eventually for people. Until it becomes available, community members are encouraged to be aware of the risks the disease may pose, avoid dusty conditions if possible, and request a test at a Banner Urgent Care location if experiencing symptoms.