Summary:
- Valley fever is a fungal infection caused by a soil-dwelling fungus found in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico. As the climate changes, the fungus is spreading to new areas, leading to more cases of this disease.
- The fungus that causes valley fever thrives in hot, dry climates. As temperatures rise and droughts become more common due to climate change, the fungus is able to spread to new regions, exposing more people to the risk of infection.
- Symptoms of valley fever include fever, cough, and fatigue, and in some cases, the infection can become severe and even life-threatening. Researchers are working to better understand the link between climate change and the spread of this disease to develop better prevention and treatment strategies.