The Briefing Room

General Category => Science, Technology and Knowledge => Topic started by: rangerrebew on February 04, 2023, 12:02:39 pm

Title: Deadly fungal infection 'Valley Fever' that kills one in 100 sufferers is spreading across the US 'b
Post by: rangerrebew on February 04, 2023, 12:02:39 pm

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

Title: Re: Deadly fungal infection 'Valley Fever' that kills one in 100 sufferers is spreading across the U
Post by: rangerrebew on February 04, 2023, 12:04:31 pm

I think they're wrong.  It has to be due to white privilege, racism, toxic masculinity, or people not reading CRT. :whistle:

Title: Re: Deadly fungal infection 'Valley Fever' that kills one in 100 sufferers is spreading across the U
Post by: Smokin Joe on February 04, 2023, 01:00:41 pm

Where are those Fed Ex guys?

"Doomed!"

(But if global warming isn't happening, then it shouldn't spread except in the dirt brought across the country by 'migrants' or something like that (or dumped from Chinese balloons). :shrug:

Title: Re: Deadly fungal infection 'Valley Fever' that kills one in 100 sufferers is spreading across the U
Post by: SZonian on February 04, 2023, 01:49:18 pm

If by "climate change" they mean plowing and grading vast swaths of desert where the fungus resides in order to build solar farms, then they're correct.
They disturb the spores and permit them to become airborne and be carried East...
The incidences in the Antelope Valley (hence "Valley Fever) have risen dramatically the past few years.

https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/coccidioidomycosis/statistics.html

Title: Re: Deadly fungal infection 'Valley Fever' that kills one in 100 sufferers is spreading across the U
Post by: Hoodat on February 04, 2023, 02:32:51 pm

Sounds like hantavirus by its origin.