In 2021, a University of Utah Health article noted that "Valley Fever," a fungal disease more commonly associated with California and Arizona might in fact be more common in Utah than has been thought:
From the article:
"Valley Fever is caused by Coccidioides, a fungus that can infect the lungs. The fungus lives in the soil but becomes airborne when dust is disturbed, such as by construction or high winds. If people inhale that dust, they can become infected, but the disease isn't contagious from person to person."
"With climate change, temperatures are increasing," says Adrienne Carey, M.D., infectious disease specialist at U of U Health. "With increased temperatures and drier conditions, the map will change, and it should probably be expected to spread northward. Aside from a highly publicized outbreak in 2001 at Dinosaur National Monument, there really is a lack of data about how common Valley Fever is within the state of Utah."
"The team identified 364 cases of Valley Fever that occurred between 2009-2015 and met the research criteria for "proven" or "probable" Coccidioides infection."
"Interestingly, one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, St. George, is in southwestern Utah," Carey points out. "With the rapid growth of construction that's occurring, there's increased risk for people to come in contact with the fungus."
"People who are potentially vulnerable might consider wearing masks to protect themselves from inhaling the fungus spores, particularly in dusty or windy conditions or while participating in outdoor recreation."
A more recent NBC health news article published in January of 2023 projects that the disease may present throughout the entire western US over the next 70 years. Maps contained in the article show its current presence in Utah:
This article further reinforces that Valley fever cases are on the rise and will likely continue to worsen as a result of "climate change."
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