Kern County Public Health has launched a new campaign about Valley Fever.
The outreach comes in the wake of new numbers which reflect 3,990 cases were reported in the county in 2024. 49 people died from the virus. The numbers set an all-time high for cases in the county.
Public Health Director Brynn Carrigan says the campaign called Faces of Valley Fever features stories about previously infected patients. The hope is that anyone who is experiencing symptoms similar to those experienced by participants in the video presentation will reach out their medical providers.
Valley Fever is a fungal lung infection caused by inhaling spores found in soil in the southwestern US and parts of Mexico and Central/South America. It’s common here in Kern County.
Visit Kern Public Health.com for more information.