Deadly fungal infection 'Valley Fever' that kills one in 100 sufferers is spreading across the US 'because of climate change' — as hit zombie show 'The Last of Us' heightens fungi fears
The infection is caused by a fungus typically endemic to the Southwest
Researchers predict that by 2100, US case numbers will increase by 50 percent
Spread is due to global warming, meaning more hot areas for the fungus to grow
By CAITLIN TILLEY, HEALTH REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM
PUBLISHED: 11:38 EST, 1 February 2023 | UPDATED: 13:50 EST, 1 February 2023
A deadly fungal infection is spreading across the US — and scientists believe it is due to climate change.
Cases of 'Valley Fever' - which is 10 times more deadly than flu - have risen 20-fold since the turn of the century.
It is caused by the fungus Coccidioides, which releases spores in the air when soil is disturbed. The spores are then inhaled by people, most commonly construction workers.
The fungus thrives in warm, dry environments and was dubbed Valley Fever because 97 percent of cases are found in Arizona and California. But infections have begun to crop up in other parts of the country, and experts fear that by 2100 it could be endemic in 17 states.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11697467/Valley-fever-deadly-fungal-infection-spreading-climate-change.html