Valley fever in Phoenix (Scottsdale, Maricopa: houses, university, live)

[fluffythewondercat]

Have you or anyone you know had Valley fever? Wikipedia says Maricopa County had 3,450 cases in 2007.

Do people customarily wear face masks to avoid inhaling the spores during dust storms or would that no help? Do medical personnel generally know how to treat it?

I'm concerned because DH keeps looking at Scottsdale houses so we may end up moving there. I'm an asthmatic with ongoing lung issues.

Thanks.

[sandy6879]

I've never seen anyone wearing face masks during a storm. It is advised to stay indoors during one, not to go outside while it's blowing through. I think that's about the most you can reasonably do though. It's popular enough here that people know what it is and - at least in the case of my vet - they do bring it up as a possible answer to symptoms, and recommend testing for it if the patient has enough symptoms (both my dogs have been tested since we moved here for 2 different situations, neither had it).

[LBTRS]

I know a couple of people who 'think' they have had valley fever but no one that actually knows they have.

No, we don't wear masks.

[observer53]

It's long been said that once you've lived here 10 or 15 years, you've had it, whether you know it or not. Most people don't experience anything different than they would with a "normal" virus. Some just feel fatigued for a while. I've had it, (and I think I know when); there is a skin test for it. You might be more at risk for a more noticeable case. Yes, there are many doctors here familiar with treating it, for those who require specific treatment.


People stay inside during dust storms. I occasionally see someone wearing a mask, but usually for some other health condition, not as a VF preventative.

[JGMotorsport64]

I had VF once, maybe more for all I know, if that should clue you in. Your body is adaptable. You ever had a strong cold? It's not that much different, and if it's bad usually you get a prescription and poof it's gone.

As for face masks? This isn't China!

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by fluffythewondercat

Have you or anyone you know had Valley fever? Wikipedia says Maricopa County had 3,450 cases in 2007.

Do people customarily wear face masks to avoid inhaling the spores during dust storms or would that no help? Do medical personnel generally know how to treat it?

This website will answer nearly all of your questions about Valley Fever:

https://vfce.arizona.edu/

The University of Arizona conducts most of the research on Valley Fever.

[PhureeKeeper]

My sister had it when she was about 12 years old. She was pretty sick, but she had other health issues as well at the time.

I think dogs have a worse time of it, and their medications can be costly.

[yellowbelle]

I wouldn't use it as a reason to not move here unless you are immunocompromised.

[Ponderosa]

Wearing a mask might help, but it is so dusty all the time here that it would not likely make a great deal of difference.

[BIG CATS]

I wouldnt advise anyone with lung issues to move to the Valley. Its a haven for Bronchitis and Athsma, I swear.