VALLEY FEVER
Source: IndiaToday
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Context
Valley fever, a fungal disease endemic to the western United States, is seeing a significant rise in cases across California.
Details
About the fever
- Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) is a fungal infection.
- It lives in the soil in the southwestern U.S., parts of Washington state, and Central and South America.
- Non-contagious: It does not spread from person to person but is contracted by inhaling fungal spores from the environment.
- Most cases are mild, with either no symptoms or flu-like symptoms that resolve on their own.
- However, in rare cases, it can cause serious health complications or ongoing lung problems.
- Chronic pulmonary coccidioidomycosis may lead to additional symptoms:
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- Coughing up blood
- Weight loss
- Chest pain
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Causes
- Valley fever is caused by inhaling fungal spores from the Coccidioides species, which can grow into clusters in the lungs and spread throughout the body.
- Two species of fungi can cause the infection.
- Coccidioides immitis: Found in California.
- Coccidioides posadasii: Found in other parts of the U.S. and Central/South America.
- The fungus is often released into the air by disturbing the soil during construction, dust storms, or farming activities.
About Fungi
Definition |
Fungi are a kingdom of spore-producing organisms that feed on organic matter, including molds, yeast, mushrooms, and more. |
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Types of Fungi |
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Habitat |
Found in a variety of environments including soil, decaying matter, air, and as parasites on plants, animals, and humans. |
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Read about diseases:
https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/diseases-and-its-types
Sources:
PRACTICE QUESTION Q: Consider the following diseases:
Which of the above diseases are caused by fungi? A. 1 and 2 B. 2 and 3 C. None D. 1,2 and 3 Answer: C Explanation: Rift Valley Fever: A viral disease that primarily affects animals but can also infect humans. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause severe disease in both animals and humans. Colorado Tick Fever: A viral infection transmitted by the bite of infected ticks, causing symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. Gonorrhea: A sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, affecting the genitals, rectum, and throat. |