Monsoon season began last weekend, and while the season might bring cooler temperatures, it also creates perfect conditions for weather hazards like heavy rain, flash floods, high winds, and dust storms. High winds and dust storms can affect air quality, driving conditions, and can increase the chance of contracting water-borne illnesses. Air quality Microscopic dust [...]
Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) caused by coccidioides immitis fungal spores. 3d rendered banner on blue background showing fungal filaments. Valley Fever Awareness Week begins today. Taking steps to stay safe from Valley fever (also called coccidioidomycosis) is especially important in Arizona, where the fungus that causes the lung infection grows naturally in the soil. [...]
Last week ADHS, alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recognized Fungal Disease Awareness Week. The annual event focuses on the growing challenges surrounding the spread of infectious fungi across the United States. While many different types of fungal diseases call Arizona home, one of the most common is Valley fever. Valley fever [...]
While it may feel like summer is just kicking off, the monsoon season has officially started and that means some safety measures should be mixed in with your summer fun. What is the North American Monsoon? The monsoon involves changes in seasonal winds that can cause extreme weather conditions including extreme heat, dust storms, sudden [...]
In Arizona and nearby areas in the Southwest, there's a strong likelihood that a person who develops a fungal infection is facing Valley fever. After all, roughly two-thirds of the nation's Valley fever cases are diagnosed in Arizona. There have been more than 7,000 cases diagnosed in our state this year. However, there are many [...]
2020 Grand Prize Winner Valley Fever is rare in most of the country, but not in Arizona. Of the more than 18,400 cases reported nationwide in 2019, more than half, 10,358, were in our state. That’s why, for the fourth year in a row, we’re tapping into the creativity of Arizona kids to [...]
Valley fever is a potentially debilitating and deadly respiratory disease caused by the Coccidioides fungus that affects thousands of Arizonans every year. Valley Fever Awareness Week (Nov. 9–17) was a success with social media messaging, promoting the poster contest, and launching a new data dashboard. Although Valley Fever Awareness Week is over, raising awareness of this [...]
Ja'Maryn H., 2018 winner Valley fever is one of the most commonly reported infectious diseases in Arizona, with over 7,000 cases reported to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) this year. Still, most Arizonans do not know the symptoms of this debilitating and potentially deadly fungal infection, which include cough, fever, and [...]
Dust Storm Weather 6/6/06 A dust storm rolls into the Valley of the Sun Tuesday evening. The Arizona Center, St. Mary's Basilica and Chase Ballpark are in the foreground in downtown Phoenix, AZ. Photo by Rob Schumacher/The Arizona Republic Valley Fever Awareness Week is here! Did you know that valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) is [...]
Although many types of fungal disease occur in our country, there is one that poses the greatest risk to our health in the desert southwest. In Arizona, valley fever has a large impact with over 5,000 reported cases, 700 hospitalizations, and 50 deaths each year. To raise awareness about this disease, the Arizona Department of Health Services [...]
