Climate Change Expands Valley Fever's Reach, Threatening New U.S. Regions
Valley Fever, a fungal disease historically confined to the arid regions of the Southwest U.S., is spreading to new areas due to changing weather patterns. The disease, caused by the coccidioides fungus, thrives in dry soil and becomes airborne during dust storms and floods. Recent climate changes, characterized by hotter, drier conditions interspersed with extreme rain events, have facilitated the spread of these spores beyond their traditional habitats. According to Dr. John Galgiani, director of the Valley Fever Center for Excellence, the disease is now being reported in states like Oregon and Washington, with potential expansion into the Midwest and even Canada in the coming decades. California has already reported a significant number of cases in 2026, nearing the total for the previous year. 
