SALT LAKE CITY — A team of researchers from the University of Utah is studying a fungal respiratory infection that is spreading through the soil and dust in Utah. The researchers have discovered that the fungus, which causes the disease known as Valley fever, could potentially spread further as the climate changes.
Valley fever is a challenging disease to track as the fungus responsible does not spread from person to person. Instead, it grows stealthily in the soil without emerging above the surface. Symptoms of Valley fever are similar to those of influenza and include fatigue, cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, night sweats, muscle aches or joint pain, and rash on the upper body or legs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC reported just over 20,000 confirmed cases of Valley fever in 2019, with very few being in New Mexico and Utah. However, the University of Utah researchers aim to raise awareness for those at risk of infection and understand the potential spread of the disease.
One of the challenges in identifying Valley fever is that the fungus causing it does not have any visible fruiting body like mold or mushrooms. It can only be identified with a microscope, making it difficult to detect in the field, as explained by Katrina Derieg, a member of the research team and vertebrate collections manager at the Natural History Museum of Utah.
Due to the lack of awareness surrounding Valley fever, misdiagnosis often occurs, leading to delays in necessary antifungal treatment for those infected. In 2001, 10 archaeologists working at a dig site in northeastern Utah fell sick with Valley fever, despite previous predictions indicating that the fungus would not survive in the soil in Utah except for the southwest corner of the state, far from where the archaeologists were located.
The University of Utah research team, including Professor Katharine Walter from the Department of Epidemiology, Professor Eric Rickart from the Department of Biology, Professor Kevin Perry from the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, and Katrina Derieg, is now collecting soil and dust samples from various climate zones in Utah. They are testing these samples for fungal DNA and also searching for traces of fungus in rodents that burrow underground, as rodents are suspected to play a role in the movement of the fungus.
The team is particularly focused on Washington County and St. George in Utah, as these regions have reported the highest prevalence of Valley fever. The rapid construction and urbanization of the area are disturbing the previously undisturbed areas of the Mojave Desert, potentially releasing spore-laden dust.
According to the researchers, the dramatic landscape and topography of Washington County, with its various microclimates, can serve as representative of diverse climates across the state. By combining the information gathered from this area with predictions of how the climate will change over time, the researchers hope to understand which areas are at risk currently and in the future.
As Valley fever poses a significant health and environmental justice issue, the research team aims to educate the public about the disease, its signs, and preventive measures. Wearing dust masks on dry, windy days can help reduce the risk of airborne spore inhalation for those in fungus-prone areas. Additionally, raising awareness among doctors about the signs and symptoms of Valley fever can lead to early diagnosis and proper treatment.
Valley fever is just one example of an infection that will be, and is already being, dramatically impacted by climate change. The changes in temperature, precipitation, and drought in the American West are influencing the range of the fungus causing Valley fever. The urgency of addressing these climate-related health issues cannot be overstated. Vulnerable populations are put at the highest risk, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
It is crucial for industries like construction, agriculture, and firefighting to be aware of the risk of infection and take preventive measures. As climate change continues to affect the spread of diseases like Valley fever, it is essential for communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers to work together to mitigate the impact and protect public health.