Valley Fever Rising Beyond the Southwest | Mesa News

Mesa News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 9, 2026 · 1m

Valley fever is on the rise—cases have spiked tenfold since 1998 and are spreading beyond traditional hotspots. Caused by the Coccidioides fungus kicked up by dust, wind, or floods, it’s often misdiagnosed as pneumonia, leading to wrong treatments like antibiotics. While most healthy people recover on their own, it can be deadly for those with weakened immune systems, diabetes, or lung issues. Dogs are also at risk, especially when digging in infected soil. Scientists are still untangling how climate patterns fuel its spread—so expect more updates as weather extremes continue. Listen in…