Arizona: Valley Fever is coccidioidomycosis (球孢子菌病)

Valley Fever is coccidioidomycosis.

It is common for people relocating to the Valley of the Sun to be concerned
about Valley Fever. While Valley Fever can affect some people, it is important
to remember that it affects few people very seriously, and many people never
even know that they have Valley Fever.

Still, it is not to be considered lightly. According to the Arizona Department
of Health Services, the number of reported Valley Fever cases in Arizona
hit a record high in 2006, with 5,535 cases. The number of reported cases
in 2007 was 4,832.
Valley Fever: What You Need To Know
What is Valley Fever?
Valley Fever is a lung infection. A fungus becomes airborne when dust around
construction areas and agricultural areas is transported by the wind. When
spores are inhaled, Valley Fever can result. The medical name for Valley
Fever is coccidioidomycosis.

Where is Valley Fever found?
In the U.S. it is prevalent in the Southwest where temperatures are high
and the soils are dry. Here is a map of the areas where Valley Fever is
endemic.

How long does it take to develop symptoms of Valley Fever?
It normally takes between one and four weeks.

Does everyone in Arizona get Valley Fever?
It is estimated that about one third of the people in the lower desert areas
of Arizona have had Valley Fever at some point. Your chances of getting
Valley Fever are about 1 out of 33, but the longer you live in the Desert
Southwest the higher your chances of infection. There are about 100,000
new cases of Valley Fever each year. You don't have to live here to get
it--people visiting or traveling through the area have been infected, too.

Are some people at higher risk of getting Valley Fever?
Valley Fever doesn't seem to play favorites, with all kinds of people at
equal risk. Once infected, however, certain groups seem to have more instances
of it spreading to other parts of their bodies; as far as gender is concerned,
 men are more likely than women, and African Americans and Filipinos are
more likely when considering race. People with problem immune systems are
also at risk.

Construction workers, farm workers or others who spend time working in dirt
and dust are most likely to get Valley Fever. You are also at higher risk
if you are caught in dust storms, or if your recreation, such as biking
or 4-wheeling, takes you to dusty areas. One thing you can do to minimize
your risk of getting Valley Fever is to wear a mask if you have to be out
in blowing dust.

What are the symptoms of Valley Fever?
About two thirds of the people who are infected never notice any symptoms,
or experience mild symptoms and never even get treatment. Those who have
sought treatment showed symptoms including fatigue, cough, chest pain, fever,
 rash, headache and joint aches. Sometimes people develop red bumps on their
skin. In about 5% of the cases, nodules develop on the lungs which might
look like lung cancer in a chest x-ray. A biopsy or surgery may be necessary
to determine if the nodule is a result of Valley Fever. Another 5% of people
develop what is referred to as a lung cavity. This is most common with older
people, and more than half of the cavities disappear after a while without
treatment. If the lung cavity ruptures, however, there may be chest pain
and difficulty breathing.

Is there a cure for Valley Fever?
There is no vaccine at this time for Valley Fever. Most people are able
to fight off Valley Fever on their own without treatment. They usually don't
get it again. For those that seek treatment, antifungal drugs (not antibiotics)
 are used. Although these treatments are often helpful, the disease may
persist and years of treatment may be required. If a lung cavity ruptures
as mentioned above, surgery may be necessary.

Can my dog get Valley Fever?
Yes, dogs can get it and might need long term medication. Horses, cattle
sheep and other animals can also get Valley Fever.

Is Valley Fever contagious?
No. You cannot get it from another person or from an animal.

Do people die from Valley Fever?
Less than 1% of the people who get Valley Fever die from it.

Are there Valley Fever experts that I can consult?
Pulmonary specialists and many local family physicians and hospitals are
very familiar with Valley Fever. Physicians in other parts of the country
seldom see cases of Valley Fever and, therefore, might not recognize it.
You should make sure your doctor knows that you have been to the Southwest
and emphasize that you want to be tested for Valley Fever. If you need a
medical referral in Arizona, you can get a referral to a doctor from the
Valley Fever Center for Excellence.

所有跟帖： 

• Coccidioidomycosis (球孢子菌病) -Tianyazi- ♂ (6519 bytes) () 04/08/2012 postreply 19:56:42