This is only "news" to newcomers. I learned 30 years ago that if you've lived in Arizona for 3 years, there's a 90% chance you've had Valley Fever. Most people have little or no symptoms, but it can be quite serious to some, as demonstrated by the testimonials below. SuperDave is right - dogs are very susceptible to VF, as it is their nature to be sniffing along the ground. If your dog has a cough, or is losing hair, or has an unexplained lump, have your Vet test for VF. The sooner you catch it; the easier it is to control. On another note, I read many years ago that a vaccine is "imminent." Anyone know what the status of that is?

YES! more fear from the media. Hey Bill, you must know Jodie Heisner. You and her would get along great. You should have your idiot boss move your desk next to hers so you two can come up with fearful stories fulled with biased liberal crap all day long to feed the poor sheeple of this pathetic country.

Valley Fever has a higher death rate with dogs. Watch your pooches. I had a dog secome to this years ago.

The Truth...."About 60% of infections do not cause any symptoms. People who develop symptoms may experience a flu-like illness, with fever, cough, headache, rash and muscle aches. Most people make a full recovery, within weeks to months of symptom onset, but a small number of people may develop chronic pulmonary infection or widespread disseminated infection. " 800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)

That was a good article! It sounded like the talking points from www.valleyfeversurvivor.com and their book, Valley Fever Epidemic. I read their book and highly recommend anyone wanting to learn the truth about this disease and how to deal with it should read it over and over again. That is how Pat White learned about all Valley Fever after she got it. Now I know all about it too and wish I knew this before I got my Valley Fever. I read Pat White's review on www.valleyfeverepidemic.com and totally agree with her. Here it is: "Thank you for writing this book. You've done a great thing for mankind. I recently read Valley Fever Epidemic by David and Sharon Filip. What a wonderful book and so long overdue. Valley Fever Epidemic is written so that everyone can understand it, and it includes an in-depth glossary of medical terms for your convenience. This book is the most complete, comprehensive and up-to-date book written on Valley Fever. Valley Fever Epidemic is a must read for anyone who lives in the Southwest or is planning to move or visit the Southwest. I even purchased a book for my internist, so that he is better informed about this incurable illness. If you only buy one book this year, make sure you buy Valley Fever Epidemic." I totally agree. Please do yourself a favor and read this book. At the very least read the FAQ pages, misconception pages and facts pages on www.valleyfeversurvivor.com like pal5510 already suggested.

GREAT ARTICLE...This should really help the slow economy here in Maricopa County....NOT!

I had valley fever in 1984, and yes it took a month before I was hospitalized and that was when they diagnosed that I had pneumonia and valley fever, I spent two weeks in hospital. In 1985 I had an operation where they did a lung resection ( removed part of the right lung ) because they thought that I had lung cancer but it turned out to be the residue from valley fever. salfordlad

my mom had valley fever when she was younger. She passed away from lung cancer 2.5 years ago. It is so important that people know about this, and how previous damage to your lungs makes you 6 times more likely to get lung cancer!

I'm still suffering the aftereffects of Valley Fever. After two lung operations I still am taking the antifungals and still have some pretty bad days. In my case it was most likely a recurrance and it was actually eating through my lung causing collapse. I sure hope the doctors in Tucson at U of A can get their vaccine going as this can be so serious. One day I was doing fine and the next I was very ill.

I tested negative 3 times over 3 months for Valley Fever before I tested positive. It's important for people to know it may take a while for the labs to test positive so if the symptoms don't subside be your own advocate and continue getting tested. My titers once I was positive were never very high. A lower titer indicates a less serious disease state. It was only through a sputum test (a respiratory fluid that is coughed up aided by an inhaled medication) that it was indicated that I was actively growing Valley Fever spores in my lungs. I was sick for most of three years and eventually needed to have a small piece of my lung removed. I was on high dose anti-fungal meds for one year after surgery. It can't be guaranteed I will not get sick again. The research is not conclusive as to whether Valley Fever can re-activate or one can get a second acute case. www.ValleyFeverSurvivor.com has excellent information.