Kern County is California's Valley Fever Hot-Spot

According to data from the California Department of Public Health, the number of Valley fever cases will set new records in 2024.

As of the end of November, 11,076 valley fever cases had been confirmed statewide, a 20% increase compared to 2023.

Kern County is California's hot spot for the disease again, accounting for 3,768 reported cases.

Home to the city of Bakersfield, Kern County spans the southern end of the Central Valley and is home to less than 1 million people.

Other impacted counties include Los Angeles, Riverside, Fresno, Kings, Merced, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Stanislaus.

Historically, Valley fever has also spread in the states of Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico.

According to the U.S. CDC, Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a lung infection caused by a fungus found in soil. Usually, people who get sick with Valley fever get better independently, but some people will need antifungal medication.

As of December 28, 2024, scientists continue working on a preventive vaccine, but the CDC has not recommended a Valley fever vaccine.