MADERA, Calif. – As autumn settles into California’s Central Valley, health experts are warning families to remain alert to the threat of Valley fever – a fungal infection that can pose serious risks to children.
Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, occurs when people inhale spores from dry, disturbed soil. These spores can become airborne during activities such as construction, farming or even outdoor play. The Central Valley’s arid conditions make it a hotspot for exposure.
Children are more at risk because they’re small and often crawl, roll or play on the ground. Recognizing symptoms early is key to ensuring timely treatment and preventing complications, says Dr. Vini Vijayan, Valley Children’s pediatric infectious diseases specialist.
“When a child comes in with fever, cough, fatigue, chest pain or even a rash, providers usually start broadly asking about the duration of symptoms, exposure through travel, pets or sick contacts and family history,” she said. “In places like Central California, Valley fever is often on our radar early.”
Most pediatric cases are mild or symptom-free, but early recognition is critical to prevent complications. Dr. Vijayan says parents should contact a doctor if their child experiences:
- Persistent cough, fever or chest pain lasting more than a week.
- Rash accompanied by fever and cough.
- Night sweats or unexplained weight loss.
- Severe headaches, joint pain or difficulty breathing.
- Pneumonia that isn’t improving with antibiotics.
If a child shows signs of severe illness – such as trouble breathing or unusual drowsiness – it’s recommended to go straight to the emergency room.
The warning comes as California reported more than 8,600 Valley fever cases through September for 2025. Through the same time period in 2024, the state had reported just under 8,400, putting the state on track to surpass 2024’s record-breaking total of 12,700 cases.
Counties including Fresno, Kern and San Luis Obispo have seen notable year-over-year increases in recent years.
While avoiding Valley fever entirely is difficult, experts recommend steps to reduce risk:
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed on windy days.
- Avoid dusty outdoor activities like digging or yard work.
- Plant grass or ground cover to minimize dust around the home.
- Use recirculating air in vehicles and keep windows up in dusty areas.
- Have children wear an N95 mask outdoors in heavy dust (if age-appropriate and properly fitted).
“Valley fever is increasingly common in our region,” Dr. Vijayan adds. “Most children recover fully, but early medical intervention is important, and reducing dust exposure can help lower risk.”
For more information on Valley Children’s Infectious Disease Practice, click here. To view the state’s full Valley fever data, click here.
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