Coccidioidomycosis B38-

Clinical Information

A fungal infection caused by coccidioides immitis. Affected individuals usually have mild flu-like symptoms. However, pneumonia and systemic involvement with the formation of abscesses may develop as complications of the disease.
Infection with a fungus from the genus Coccidioides, which is endemic to the southwestern United States, is sometimes referred to as Valley fever but should not be confused with Rift Valley fever. The infection occurs through the inhalation of airborne fungal particles called arthroconidia, a type of fungal spore. The primary form of the infection is an acute, benign, and self-limited respiratory illness. In contrast, the secondary form is a more severe, chronic, and progressive granulomatous disease with systemic involvement. Detection of the infection can be achieved using coccidioidin.
Infection with a fungus of the genus coccidioides, species c. Immitis; primary form is an acute, benign, self limited respiratory infection due to inhalation of spores and varying in severity; secondary form is a virulent, severe, chronic, progressive granulomatous disease with systemic involvement.
Valley fever is a disease caused by the fungus Coccidioides, which thrives in the soil of arid regions like the southwestern United States. Anyone who comes into contact with this fungus can become infected, but those at the highest risk include individuals whose work involves exposure to soil dust, such as construction workers, agricultural workers, and military personnel engaged in field training. It’s important to note that Valley fever is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person.
Many cases of Valley fever are mild and may not produce any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often resemble those of the flu, including fever, cough, headache, rash, and muscle aches. Most people recover within several weeks or months without medical intervention. However, a small percentage of individuals may develop chronic lung infections or more widespread infections.
Diagnosis of Valley fever involves testing blood, other body fluids, or tissues. While many people with acute infections recover without treatment, doctors may prescribe antifungal medications in some cases. Severe infections always require antifungal treatment.
For more information, refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Codes

B38 Coccidioidomycosis