Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) Statistics

How common is coccidioidomycosis?

Coccidioidomycosis is under public health surveillance, and is reportable – meaning the physician needs to report it to public health authorities – in 15 states. In 2010 there were over 16,000 reported cases of coccidioidomycosis, the majority of which were located in Arizona and California.

Have there been any recent outbreaks?

Outbreaks of coccidioidomycosis do occasionally occur, particularly after events that disturb large amounts of soil. Past outbreaks have occurred among military trainees, archeological workers, and in people exposed to earthquakes and dust storms. If you live in an area with Coccidioides in the environment, contact your local or state health department for the most up-to-date information.

Where does the fungus live?

Coccidioides is found in the dust and soil of semiarid areas in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and South America. Endemic states for Coccidioides include California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and Utah. There have been infrequent reports of coccidioidomycosis infections in non-endemic states such as Colorado, Louisiana, Missouri, Ohio, Michigan, Maryland, New Hampshire, and Delaware. These infections could be due to changing endemic regions or they might be occurring in people who have traveled to the endemic areas. As with many fungi, the characteristics of Coccidioides-endemic regions may be changing.