Valley Fever (Coccidiodes immitis): Implications for Public Health at Fort Irwin and the National Training Center (Poster)

image: www.cdc.gov

Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley Fever or California Fever, is an infection that occurs when the spores of the fungus Coccidioides immitis enter the body through inhalation. Coccidioidomycosis is most prevalent in the desert regions of the southwestern United States, Central America, and South America.  In early 2013, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) investigated Valley Fever outbreaks in two Central Valley prisons after inmates died from the disease.  The increase in incidence of Valley Fever within populations who live in close quarters and work outdoors in endemic areas has caused growing concern for military personnel working in similar conditions.  The Desert Research Institute and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center recently began a study of Valley Fever at Edwards Air Force Base in California.  Near to Edwards AFB is Fort Irwin, home of the US Army’s National Training Center (NTC).  Research suggests presence of Valley Fever presents public health implications for the thousands of Soldiers stationed, or training, at Fort Irwin and the National Training Center including rotational, regimental trainers, and support forces.