Just like a post-apocalyptic world where fungal infections turn humans into zombies, climate change is creating favorable conditions for a different kind of pathogen to spread across the US – Valley Fever Fungus. Although it doesn’t cause zombification, this fungal infection is on the rise and health experts are concerned. Valley Fever is caused by a fungus called Coccidioides and is typically found in arid regions like the American Southwest. However, as temperatures rise due to climate change, its territory seems to be expanding. Symptoms of Valley Fever can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe pneumonia. To address this increasing threat, researchers are investigating methods to predict future outbreaks and developing better diagnostics and vaccines. If you want to learn more about this spooky silent invader and how it’s infecting more and more people in different parts of the country, check out the underlying research!
