Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)
General information
Coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley fever, is a fungal disease caused by inhaling spores from Coccidioides species. This fungus lives in the soil of semi-arid regions of the world and is endemic in areas of the southwestern United States, northern Mexico and portions of South America.
When asked, most people diagnosed with Valley fever in Wisconsin have a history of travel to Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, or Texas. About 60% of infected people exhibit mild or no clinical illness.
People who develop symptoms most often experience a flu-like illness, with fever, cough, headache, fatigue, rash, and muscle aches from which they recover within several months. A small number of infected people may develop a chronic pulmonary infection or widespread disseminated infection in the brain, joints, bones, or soft tissues.
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) – Coccidioidomycosis
Valley Fever Center - University of Arizona
Provider information
This is a Wisconsin disease surveillance category II disease:
- Report to the patient's local public health department electronically, through the Wisconsin Electronic Disease Surveillance System (WEDSS), by mail or fax using an Acute and Communicable Disease case report, F-44151 (Word) or by other means within 72 hours upon recognition of a case.
- Information on communicable disease reporting
Wisconsin case reporting and public health follow-up guidelines
Case Reporting and Investigation Protocol (EpiNet): P-02185, Coccidioidomycosis, P-02185 (PDF)
Questions about Valley Fever? Contact us!
Phone: 608-267-9003 | Fax: 608-267-9009