This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Valley Fever Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act.
Part 7.7Valley Fever
Section § 122475
This section is named the Valley Fever Education, Early Diagnosis, and Treatment Act. It's focused on improving awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of Valley Fever, which is a fungal disease that can affect the lungs and other parts of the body.
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Section § 122476
Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a serious lung infection caused by a fungus found in the soil, primarily in California and nearby states. It's a significant health concern, with about 10,000 cases reported annually. Many individuals with valley fever are unable to work or attend school, and severe cases may require hospitalization.
The infection is contracted by inhaling fungal spores from the air, and those at higher risk include older adults, people with weaker immune systems, pregnant women, individuals with diabetes, Black or Filipino people, and those working in dusty environments.
Symptoms resemble flu-like illnesses and can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment because they appear one to three weeks after exposure. While avoiding exposure is difficult and no vaccine exists, awareness is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
The law aims to increase public and healthcare provider awareness about valley fever's symptoms, tests, and treatments, especially for those at higher risk.
(a)CA Health and Safety Code § 122476(a) Valley fever, also called coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection caused by a fungus that lives in the soil. Approximately 10,000 cases are reported each year, mostly from California and bordering states.
(b)CA Health and Safety Code § 122476(b) Valley fever is a serious, costly illness. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 75 percent of people with valley fever miss work or school. As many as 40 percent of people who get valley fever need to stay in the hospital.
(c)CA Health and Safety Code § 122476(c) People get valley fever by breathing in microscopic fungal spores from the air in areas where the fungus lives. Anyone who lives
in or travels to these areas can get valley fever, but some people are at higher risk for developing valley fever, such as older adults, people who have weakened immune systems, pregnant women, people with diabetes, people who are Black or Filipino, and people who have jobs that expose them to dust, such as agricultural or construction workers.
(d)CA Health and Safety Code § 122476(d) The symptoms of valley fever are similar to those of other common illnesses, so patients may have delays in getting diagnosed and treated. The initial symptoms may appear one to three weeks after exposure. They tend to resemble those of the flu, and can range from minor to severe, including fever, cough, chest pain, chills, night sweats, headache, fatigue, joint aches, and a red spotty rash.
(e)CA Health and Safety Code § 122476(e) In areas with valley fever, it is
difficult to completely avoid exposure to the fungus because it is in the environment. There is no vaccine to prevent infection. Knowing about valley fever is one of the most important ways to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
(f)CA Health and Safety Code § 122476(f) It is the intent of the Legislature to raise awareness of the symptoms, tests, and treatments for valley fever among the general public, primary health care providers, and health care providers who care for persons at higher risk for getting valley fever.
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