Coccidioidomycosis Overview

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Learn About Coccidioidomycosis

What is the definition of Coccidioidomycosis?
Coccidiomycosis, also known as valley fever, is a fungal infection caused by the fungus, Coccidioides, that lives in the soil in the southwestern United States (Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, California (San Joaquin Valley), Texas, and south-central Washington and parts of Mexico and Central and South America. Coccidiomycosis is contracted by breathing in the fungal spores from the air, usually from dust caused by farming, construction, and wind. Once inhaled, the spores continue to reproduce in the lungs. Rarely, the fungal spores may enter the body through a cut or wound, causing a skin infection.
What are the symptoms of Coccidioidomycosis?
While many individuals with coccidiomycosis do not experience any symptoms, others may have symptoms for weeks or months. Symptoms of acute coccidiomycosis usually appear between 1 and 3 weeks after breathing in the fungal spores and may include fatigue, fever, chills, night sweats, shortness of breath, cough, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, and rash on the upper body or legs. Around 5 to 10% of individuals with coccidiomycosis will develop long-term or serious lung complications (chronic pneumonia), while about 1% will develop an infection of the central nervous system, such as the brain or spinal cord, or the skin, bones, or joints (disseminated coccidiomycosis).
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What are the current treatments for Coccidioidomycosis?
Most mild cases of coccidiomycosis do not require treatment and will resolve within a few months with rest, adequate fluid intake, and supportive care. Individuals with severe coccidiomycosis may be treated with antifungal medications, such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanoz, Onmel, Tosura), amphotericin B (Albecet, Ambisome), voriconazole (Vfend), posaconazole (Noxafil), and isavuconazonium sulfate (Cresemba).
Who are the top Coccidioidomycosis Local Doctors?
Steven M. Holland
Elite in Coccidioidomycosis
Dr. Steven M. Holland
Infectious Disease
Elite in Coccidioidomycosis
Dr. Steven M. Holland
Infectious Disease
Bethesda, MD 
301-402-7684
Languages Spoken:
English
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Steven Holland is an Infectious Disease provider in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Holland is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Coccidioidomycosis. His top areas of expertise are Coccidioidomycosis, Mycobacterium Avium Complex Infections, Disseminated Tuberculosis, Common Variable Immune Deficiency, and Endoscopy.

Elite in Coccidioidomycosis
Dr. John N. Galgiani
Infectious Disease
Elite in Coccidioidomycosis
Dr. John N. Galgiani
Infectious Disease

Banner-University Medical Group

535 N Wilmot Rd, Suite 101, 
Tucson, AZ 
520-694-5437
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

John Galgiani is an Infectious Disease provider in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Galgiani is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Coccidioidomycosis. His top areas of expertise are Coccidioidomycosis, Pneumonia, Blastomycosis, and Meningitis. Dr. Galgiani is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Elite in Coccidioidomycosis
Dr. Janis E. Blair
Infectious Disease
Elite in Coccidioidomycosis
Dr. Janis E. Blair
Infectious Disease

Mayo Clinic Arizona

5779 E Mayo Blvd, Speciality Building, 
Phoenix, AZ 
480-301-8000
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Janis Blair is an Infectious Disease provider in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Blair is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Coccidioidomycosis. Her top areas of expertise are Coccidioidomycosis, Meningitis, Pneumonia, and COVID-19. Dr. Blair is currently accepting new patients.

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What are the latest Coccidioidomycosis Clinical Trials?
The Pathogenesis and Genetics of Disseminated or Refractory Coccidioidomycosis
The Pathogenesis and Genetics of Disseminated or Refractory Coccidioidomycosis
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: August 27, 2025

Background: \- Coccidioidomycosis is caused by a fungus that grows in the southwest United States and parts of Mexico and South America. This disease is caused by breathing dust containing the fungus. It can lead to serious lung and breathing problems. Rarely, the fungus can infect other body parts. This is called disseminated coccidioidomycosis (DCM). If the fungus stays in the lungs for more than 6 months, ...

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Factors Associated With Hospitalization and Severity of Arbovirosis in the Indian Ocean
Factors Associated With Hospitalization and Severity of Arbovirosis in the Indian Ocean
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: August 12, 2025
Intervention Type: Biological, Other
Study Phase: Not Applicable

Summary: Arboviroses, such as dengue, chikungunya and the Zika virus, represent a growing threat to public health in the Indian Ocean, but also in Europe and the rest of the world. Réunion has experienced several major epidemics, notably chikungunya in 2005-2006 and dengue since 2018, with a current resurgence of chikungunya. Mayotte was hit by a dengue epidemic in 2019, followed by a few cases of Rift Val...

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