Valley Fever Cases Expected to Rise in San Joaquin Valley Due to Seasonal Changes
The San Joaquin Valley is anticipating an increase in Valley Fever cases as seasonal agricultural activities and the end of the school year lead to more outdoor exposure. Valley Fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal disease caused by inhaling spores from the Coccidioides fungus, which thrives in the soil of the San Joaquin Valley and other parts of the southwestern U.S. The disease can cause respiratory issues and is often misdiagnosed due to its symptoms resembling other respiratory illnesses. From 2001 to 2024, the San Joaquin Valley reported nearly 74,000 cases, accounting for over 62% of California's total cases. Kern County alone reported over 46,000 cases, making it a hotspot for the disease. Despite a lower caseload in early 2026 compared to previous years, the risk remains significant, especially for those involved in outdoor work. 
