These fungal spores become airborne when the soil is disturbed by winds, construction, farming and other activities. In susceptible people and animals, infection occurs when a spore is inhaled. Within the lung, the spore changes into a larger, multicellular structure called a spherule. The spherule grows and bursts, releasing endospores which develop into spherules. Valley Fever symptoms generally occur within three weeks of exposure.
Second infections are rare.
The center provides information to the public, physician consultations with VFCE physicians, physician referrals for patients, and promotes research into all aspects of the disease. Patients may be seen at the Valley Fever evaluation and treatment clinic in St. Luke's Clinic, University Medical Center, Tucson, Arizona. All rights reserved. Request permission to duplicate or redistribute in any form.