Coccidioidomycosis

The spores of Coccidioides are present in soil in the southwestern United States, the central valley of California, northern Mexico, parts of Central America, and Argentina. About 30 to 60% of people who live in one of these areas are exposed to the fungus at some point during their life. In the United States, 14,364 cases of coccidioidomycosis were reported in 2017.

Farmers and others who work with or are exposed to disturbed soil are most likely to inhale the spores and become infected. People who become infected while traveling may not develop symptoms until after they go home.

Relevant Topics in Medical Sciences