Posted at 9:49 AM, Apr 25, 2024 and last updated 2024-04-25 13:09:44-04

SALT LAKE CITY - The University of Utah has been granted funding to study the prevalence of Valley Fever, a lesser-known fungal disease, in Washington County. This three-year grant from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund will support research led by Katharine Walter, an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the university.

Valley Fever is an emerging fungal disease primarily found in dry regions of the American West, as well as parts of Central and South America, according to Walter. The infection is caused by inhaling microscopic fungal spores present in the soil, and it cannot be transmitted between humans or animals.

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services has been monitoring cases of Valley Fever in humans since 2009, with a noticeable increase in reported cases, as stated by BreAnne Osborn, an epidemiologist with the state agency. While most cases have been identified in the Southwestern part of Utah, it is suspected that the fungus may also reside in other regions of the state.

To address these concerns, Walter's research team will conduct extensive fieldwork, including soil and rodent sampling. The collected soil samples will be analyzed in the laboratory using molecular methods to detect the presence of the fungus's DNA. These efforts aim to provide a better understanding of where the fungus is located and how its range might expand with climate change and urban development, particularly around the St. George metro area.

Walter emphasizes that Valley Fever is an understudied pathogen with significant knowledge gaps. The current risk map published by the CDC is based on skin testing studies conducted several decades ago. As her team works to update this map, their findings will not only enhance awareness but also help identify individuals at greater risk, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems who are more susceptible to severe illness.

It is important to note that severe illness from Valley Fever is rare. Most individuals either remain asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms such as rash, fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, and cough, which usually resolve on their own. However, if these symptoms persist for more than a week, the CDC recommends consulting a healthcare provider for a Valley Fever test.

The ultimate goal of Walter's research is to educate the public and healthcare providers about Valley Fever, utilizing the updated information to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.

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