Valley fever cases increased in several Southern California counties in 2024, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Caused by the fungus Coccidioides, the illness is contracted by inhaling fungal spores that are commonly found in hot and dry climates. Wet weather can promote the growth of that fungus, making for an uptick in cases when the rainy season hits the Southland.
Activities like construction, walking or strong weather can disturb dirt, which could send those small fungal spores in the air and make people or animals inhale them…