As the Valley and other parts of Arizona brace for monsoon storms, Banner Health’s medical experts are trying to raise awareness about the dangers of exposure to dust storms – as well as signs and symptoms of Valley fever, which is among the area’s most commonly misunderstood illnesses.

Available for download: Video of Banner Health expert
discussing dangers of Valley Fever (registration required)

State data shows that if you know the signs and symptoms of Valley fever, you’re more likely to get a diagnosis sooner. This can make a big difference in the severity of your infection and length of treatment. Experts say there’s a significant risk in breathing the fungal spores through everyday breezes during the monsoon season, and not just when a big wall of dust is coming at you.

Medical experts available for interviews include Dr. John Galgiani, director of the Valley Fever Center at Banner - University Medical Center Phoenix. Topics to consider:

• Top misconceptions of Valley fever

• Best ways to protect yourself from infection

• What’s in the dust that will make you sick?

• Upcoming clinical trials and research

• How Valley fever affects your body. It’s not just a lung disease, and can be life-threatening if left untreated.

• What types of people are most at risk, and who is most likely to be diagnosed? Examples:

  • UA student athletes have a four-times-higher risk of being diagnosed with Valley fever than other students. That’s because they’re tested five times as frequently.

  • Seasonal residents often don’t know they’ve been infected for a while. They don’t experience symptoms until they’ve gone home in the fall/winter, and doctors outside the area aren’t familiar with the illness. Symptoms are similar to many other health issues, and cause misdiagnosis.

  • Pregnant women are at a higher risk for getting severe types of Valley Fever. Risk of severe infection is highest in the third trimester of pregnancy or immediately after birth.