Who gets Valley Fever?
Anyone who lives, visits, or travels through the areas where the fungus grows in the soil (these areas are called endemic) may acquire valley fever. Military personnel who may be training in these areas are also at risk. People working in certain occupations such as construction, excavation, archaeological digging and other occupations which disturb soil in endemic areas may be at increased risk of exposure. Persons who pursue recreational activities such as biking or driving ATVs or 4-wheel drive vehicles in the desert may also be at increased risk. Earthquakes that have occurred in endemic areas of California have also resulted in increased cases of Valley Fever. Various domestic animals such as dogs and horses as well as wild animals are also susceptible.
