Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) • A skin rash, often on the face. The spots can Valley fever is an infection caused by a fungus. range from tender red bumps to purple blisters The fungus is found in southern Arizona, central to ulcers. They hold the fungus and are a sign California, southern New Mexico, west Texas and of widespread infection. parts of Central and Southern America. • Pain that moves from joint to joint A person gets the infection by breathing in fungus spores. The infection may stay in the lungs or it • Chills can also spread through the body. • Night sweats When valley fever spreads, about one out of four • Bloody sputum (saliva) people get meningitis. Meningitis is a disease of the linings of the brain and spinal cord and can A doctor should be called if a person has any of often lead to death. these symptoms, loses a lot of weight and has night sweats for three weeks or more. Symptoms of Valley Fever If valley fever infects the brain, a person may be This disease has three forms: confused, sensitive to light or unable to focus. • Acute. It shows up within three weeks of There may also be signs of a change in mental exposure to the fungus. It is usually mild with status. A person with these signs should go to a few signs. It goes away without treatment. doctor or emergency room right away. • Chronic. This form can show up 20 or more years after exposure to the fungus. Causes and Risk Factors for Valley Fever • Widespread. This form may affect the bones, Outbreaks of valley fever rise after dust storms, lungs, liver, brain, spinal cord, skin and heart. earthquakes or heavy digging. In people with HIV, the infection can spread People with weak immune systems, diabetes and quickly. A third to half of the people with this pregnant women are at greater risk than others. form gets meningitis. Symptoms of valley fever include: Diagnosing Valley Fever • Cough After an exam, a doctor may do a sputum (saliva) • Chest pain test, a blood test, a chest X-ray or a skin test to check for the infection. The doctor may also study • Shortness of breath a sample of affected tissue under a microscope. • Fever If there are signs of meningitis, a neurological • Fatigue exam may be done as well. • Pneumonia

© Copyright 2010 Positive Healthcare AHCA 090109 Form 207.0 Treating Valley Fever Valley fever can be fatal so treatment should start as soon as possible. Amphotericin B is often used first. It is a powerful prescription drug and may cause kidney damage. Sometimes other medication is prescribed such as Ketoconazole, Fluconazole or Itraconazole as they cause fewer problems. Treatment usually lasts a year or more. Even with treatment, the infection often comes back.

For more information: Contact your Registered Nurse Care Manager, or call Positive Healthcare’s nurse advice line at: (800) 832-0778.

© Copyright 2010 Positive Healthcare AHCA 090109 Form 207.0