SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California is seeing another surge in Valley fever cases this year, just months after setting an all-time record for infections in 2024, according to state health officials.
The California Department of Public Health reports more than 5,500 provisional cases in the first six months of 2025. Last year, nearly 12,500 cases were recorded — the highest ever reported — sharply exceeding the 7,000 to 9,000 annual cases documented between 2017 and 2023.
“California had a record year for Valley fever in 2024 and, so far, case counts are high in 2025,” said Dr. Erica Pan, the state’s public health officer. “We want to remind Californians, travelers to California, and their healthcare providers to watch for signs and symptoms of Valley fever to help detect it early.”
Valley fever, formally called coccidioidomycosis or “cocci,” is caused by a soil-dwelling fungus found mainly in the Central Valley and Central Coast. Infection occurs when people inhale fungal spores carried in dust. Symptoms can include cough, fever, chest pain, and fatigue, often mimicking the flu or COVID-19.
While many recover without treatment, the disease can lead to severe or even fatal complications, especially among older adults, pregnant women, people with diabetes, or those with weakened immune systems.
The southern San Joaquin Valley continues to experience the highest infection rates, but health officials are seeing an uptick in northern Central Valley and Central Coast regions. Researchers believe climate shifts may be contributing, with wet winters boosting fungal growth and hot, dry, windy conditions in summer and fall aiding spore spread.
Other risk factors include exposure from construction work, farming, and wildfires. Valley fever is not contagious, but prevention is challenging. The state recommends limiting outdoor activity during dusty, windy weather, keeping windows shut in dusty areas, and wearing an N95 mask when dust levels are high.
Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms lasting more than a week — especially those living, working, or traveling in affected areas — is urged to consult a doctor about possible Valley fever.
