February 16, 2009
Valley fever rates up in San Joaquin Valley
When the spores are inhaled by people and animals, it can lead to lung infections. Most people infected exhibit no symptoms, but 40 percent develop an illness that mimics the flu. Those most susceptible can develop potentially fatal liver, lung and spleen damage.
More than three-fourths of all California cases occurred in the San Joaquin Valley.
California's numbers spiked in 2006 when 514 inmates at Pleasant Valley State Prison near Coalinga developed valley fever during construction on an adjoining state hospital. One corrections officer died in 2005, and nearly 100 employees and more than 900 inmates were sickened over several years…
LINK - MercedSunStar.com
