Smear test campaign video to raise awareness for cervical cancer

valley fever in dogs :: Article Creator

A Dangerous Fungal Infection Is Spreading Across The US - And It's Impacting Pets, Too

If you grew up in the Southwest - or you're obsessed with the HBO series "The Last of Us" - you may already be familiar with the dangers of fungal infections, particularly Valley fever. And if you're a pet parent, you know dogs are particularly vulnerable to this desert illness.

Valley fever used to be referred to as "desert rheumatism" because of its correlation to the desert climate and its impact on the lungs, according to the University of Arizona. The fungus that causes the respiratory illness is found in hot, dry environments. "In general, different fungal species have different environmental conditions that allow them to flourish," says Amesh A. Adalja, MD, FIDSA, FACP, FACEP, senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. As environmental conditions change, more areas may become hospitable to their growth.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported roughly 20,000 cases of Valley fever in 2019, with the caveat that this number is likely underreported by tens of thousands due to misdiagnosis. Experts have predicted Valley fever will expand past the Southwest region as the planet heats up. In the same year, a study tracking Valley fever predicted the number of cases could "more than double" by the year 2100 and expand north into drier states in a "high warming scenario." Because while the vast majority of Valley fever cases are reported in the Southwest, experts are saying the fungal infection is spreading due to climate change as well as new building construction that releases spores from the soil.

Thankfully, researchers are getting close to an approved preventative canine vaccine, which could also pave the way for humans (more on that later!). But until then, staying informed about Valley fever could help keep you and your pet safe. POPSUGAR spoke with health experts to break down everything you need to know about Valley fever, including symptoms to watch for in dogs and humans and how to treat an exposure to the sometimes-deadly fungal spores.

What Is Valley Fever?

Valley fever is a lung disease commonly found in the Southwest (Arizona, Southern California, West Texas, Nevada and Utah) because it thrives in areas with low rainfall, high summer temperatures, and moderate winter weather. It's also known as coccidioidomycosis or cocci because it's caused by the fungus Coccidioid that grows in soil. The respiratory illness can be deadly, especially for the immunocompromised and domestic animals. Take steps to prevent fungal infections, such as wearing protective clothing when working in areas with a high risk of exposure and being mindful of the symptoms.

"Valley fever isn't particularly dangerous to someone with an intact immune system," Dr. Adalja explains. "However, in the immunocompromised, Valley fever can be very dangerous and can disseminate throughout the body and cause very severe infection." Not to mention, long COVID and certain treatments for cancer and other diseases have created a more immunosuppressed population, says George Thompson, MD, professor of clinical medicine at the University of California, which can make people more susceptible to fungal infections like Valley fever.

Valley Fever Symptoms in Humans

Symptoms are typically mild and flu-like and occur within three weeks of exposure. "In some cases, the infection may also cause joint pain, skin lesions, and rashes," says John Landry, registered respiratory therapist and CEO of Respiratory Therapy Zone. "If left untreated, Valley fever can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, causing more severe symptoms, including bone pain, joint swelling, and inflammation."

The most common symptoms, according to Cleveland Clinic, include:

Persistent cough

Chest pain

Fatigue

Fever

Headaches

Rash

Night sweats

Joint or muscle aches

The most serious form of the disease is known as disseminated coccidioidomycosis. It's uncommon, but occurs when the infection spreads beyond the lungs to other parts of the body, including the skin, bones, liver, brain, and heart, per Mayo Clinic.

According to Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of disseminated disease will vary depending on what parts of your body were impacted, but may include:

More serious nodules, ulcers and skin lesions

Painful lesions in the skull, spine or other bones

Painful, swollen joints, particularly in the knees or ankles

Meningitis (inflammation in the lining of the brain)

It is important to note that not all individuals with Valley fever will experience symptoms, and some may only experience mild symptoms that resolve on their own. "However, it is still important to seek prompt medical attention if you believe you may have contracted the infection, as early treatment is key to managing symptoms and preventing complications," Landry adds.

Valley Fever Symptoms in Dogs

Similar to humans, Valley fever can take two main forms of disease in dogs, according to VCA Animal Hospitals: the primary disease and the disseminated disease.

The primary disease is typically limited to the lungs and presents as the following symptoms, per VCA Animal Hospitals:

Harsh dry cough

Fever

Lack of appetite

Lethargy or depression

These signs tend to occur about three weeks after infection, the VCA states. But the organism can also be present in the body for up to three years before showing signs.

In the disseminated disease, the fungus has spread primarily affecting the bones and joints. Symptoms can include the following, per the VCA:

Swollen and painful joints

Lack of appetite

Lethargy or depression

Persistent fever

Weight loss

Eye infection causing inflammation and sometimes blindness

Seizure activity from fungus invading the brain

Is Valley Fever Contagious?

Valley fever isn't a contagious disease, per the CDC. Infection occurs when a fungal spore is inhaled. The spores become airborne when the soil is carried in dust particles by the wind.

How to Test For Valley Fever

To diagnose Valley fever, a healthcare provider will typically order a blood test to detect antibodies or antigens to the fungal spores, explains Oladele Ogunseitan, PhD, MPH, University of California presidential chair, professor of population health and disease prevention. "Microscopic analysis of tissue biopsy and culturing (growing) of the fungus from tissue samples can confirm infection," he adds. "And chest X-rays or CT scans of lungs can also detect pneumonia due to Valley fever."

Valley Fever Treatment

Treatment for Valley fever in humans can vary depending on the severity of the infection. In mild cases, at least 95 percent of patients with the fever fully recovered without treatment, according to the Valley Fever Center for Excellence (VFCE). In more severe cases, antifungal medication may be prescribed to help clear the infection. The "azole" family of antifungal drugs (commonly fluconazole or itraconazole) are frequently used to contain the fungus from spreading outside of the lungs but can't kill it, per VFCE.

In some cases, where the infection has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tissue. "Treatment for Valley fever can be a long and challenging process, often requiring months or even years of medication and close monitoring by a healthcare provider," Landry says. "However, with proper treatment and care, many patients are able to make a full recovery."

Valley fever in dogs will typically "require lengthy treatment with antifungal medications," per VCA Hospitals. The length of treatment will be determined by the severity of the infection and in many cases it can last between 6-12 months. In some cases (like if the nervous symptom has been impacted), your furry friend may need to stay on the anti-fungal medication for the rest of their life.

Fortunately, the University of Arizona's Valley Fever Center for Excellence has teamed up with Anivive, a pharmaceutical company with a focus on developing preventative treatment for veterinary diseases, to create a vaccine that could be added to a puppy's immunization routine, therefore protecting them from catching Valley fever in the first place. The two-dose vaccine uses a version of the fungus to train the immune system to recognize and respond to future infections. The vaccine could be approved by the US Department of Agriculture for use in dogs and ready to manufacture within the year, the CEO of Anivive told ABC 15. It would be the first approved vaccine (among animals and humans) to protect against a fungal infection.

Valley Fever Is Spreading Due To Climate Change, A Chilling Comparison To 'The Last Of Us'

A still from Season 1, Episode 5 of 'The Last of Us' on HBO. Courtesy of HBO

Discovered in the San Joaquin Valley of California, and also known as coccidioidomycosis, the "San Joaquin Valley Fever," and "Desert Rheumatism," Valley Fever is a disease caused by the fungus Coccidioides, per the University of Arizona.

Coccidioides are found in the soil in parts of the southwestern U.S., Washington state, and some of Central and South America, per Cleveland Clinic.

Valley Fever is not contagious, meaning it cannot be passed from person to person. The only way to contract Valley Fever is by inhaling the Coccidioides spores from the soil. This is because once someone is infected with the disease, the spores change to a non-contagious form in the body tissue, per Cleveland Clinic.

Infection takes place when the fungal soil spores are inhaled through the air and transported to the host's lungs. From there, it multiplies into infected tissue.

Symptoms are usually said to appear within three weeks of exposure to the fungus. This makes it especially dangerous for those traveling to Southwest and returning home to an area that is not familiar with or properly equipped to handle the disease, per the University of Arizona.

According to the CDC, the most common symptoms include fatigue, cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, night sweats, muscle aches and joint pain, and rashes.

While most experience little to no symptoms, in severe cases the fungus can take over the body by eating the flesh. When the fungus reaches the brain or spinal cord, infections can turn deadly. Around 200 people die from the disease each year, according to data collected by the CDC.

Why is Valley Fever spreading?

This has several scientists making the connection between the higher temperatures changing weather patterns associated with climate change, where research has shown that the continued warmth could cause the fungus to continue to spread.

Studies have shown that a "high warming scenario" could increase Valley Fever cases by 50 percent by the year 2100, per USA Today.

Besides humans, small and domestic animals are also a target of fungus. Cases have been reported in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, sheep, rodents, and even snakes. However, dogs are among the most susceptible animals, and can be treated with anti-fungal medications, per the University of Arizona.

NFL Great And Former Arizona Wildcat Rob Gronkowski Trying To Block Valley Fever

Striker suffers from Valley Fever at The Southern Arizona Humane Society

TUCSON, Arizona — Striker, a dog suffering from Valley Fever, is taken for a walk at the Southern Arizona Humane Society. He has an emotional support toy in his mouth, but more support is on its way.

It started two years ago when NFL great and former Arizona Wildcat Rob Gronkowski told people he'd get a dog if he and the Buccaneers won the Super Bowl.

"What do I know, we win the Super Bowl," said Gronkowski. "Four weeks later, I went and got my dog, and named him Ralphie right on the spot."

Ralphie, Gronk's french bulldog, is healthy. However, the same cannot be said for many of the animals that Dr. Sarah Neuser, a veterinarian, treats at the Southern Arizona Humane Society.

"They can start with some lethargy," said Dr. Neuser. They can get a cough or fever, which is how the infection got its name."

Valley Fever, which is common in the desert southwest, is a fungus that crosses species.

"It exists in the soil," said Neuser. "What do dogs love to do? They love to sniff."

It also affects more than just a dog's health.

"All of the tests up front can be a financial cost and then treatment can be a challenge," said Neuser.

It's all why Gronkowski wants to throw his most important block.

"I'm just trying my best to fight it any way that I can," said Gronkowski.

The future Hall of Famer has committed one million dollars as an investor to an animal health company called Anivive Lifesciences. It is currently working with the veterinary profession at institutions such as the University of Arizona. And, they are working on a vaccine for Valley Fever.

"Having some sort of preventative would be amazing," said Neuser.

The vaccine from Anivive is currently under review form the United States Department of Agriculture, and it is targeting late 2023 or early 2024 for approval.

"It would just save so many pets lives," said Gronkowski. "It would save so many hassles with family members dealing with their pets getting Valley Fever. So, once it drops, it's going to be unbelievable. It's going to help so many. It's going to make happy and healthy pets out there."

As for Striker, he's still being treated for Valley Fever, but the hope is that future dogs who come into the Southern Arizona Humane Society won't have to be.

Search This Blog

Mumps