Groups at Risk for Valley Fever
People at higher risk of
getting Valley fever include:
People who live, work, or travel in areas with high rates of Valley fever, especially if they:
- Participate in outdoor activities that involve close contact with dirt or dust, including digging projects or landscaping
- Live or work near areas where dirt and soil are stirred up, such as construction or excavation sites
- Work in jobs where dirt and soil are stirred up or disturbed, including construction, field work, military work, and archaeology
People at higher risk of
severe Valley fever or getting very sick if they are infected include:
- Older adults (60+ years old)
- People who are Black or Filipino
- Pregnant women, especially in the later stages of pregnancy
- People with diabetes
- People with health conditions that weaken the immune system, such as:
- Cancer
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
- Autoimmune illnesses
- Treatment with chemotherapy, steroids, or other medications that affect the immune system
- Organ transplant