United States: Another life-threatening fungus may have infected several thousands of fun-seekers congregated at a musical celebration in California.
Multiple cases of valley fever infection following attendance at the “Lightning in a Bottle” festival at Buena Vista Lake in late May have been described.
More about the incident
The California Department of Public Health has confirmed the five cases of Valley fever; three infected people had to be hospitalized.
Unfortunately, the County health departments estimate their numbers could be higher because 20,000 people had attended the festival.
California officials advise people to avoid the event if they have respiratory problems; others should consult their doctors.
Valley fever is topical to the respiratory tract. It is contracted from inhaling coccidiosis fungal spores, which are present in Arizona’s deserts and the soil of the lower San Joaquin Valley, California.
In Valley in California, as independent.co.uk reported.
So far, no vaccine has been made available for valley fever. However, there are few treatments. Valley Fever, too, has been on the rise in the last 20 years in the West, with high incidences reported.
Growing infection is a result of climate change
Moreover, some experts suggest that the growth of the infection’s incidence is connected with climate change, and severe weather conditions enhance the likelihood of the fungus’ development.
However, the cases of infection have not diminished, and they continue to threaten the EDM festival, which attracts thousands of people to the Bakersfield area yearly.
The spores travel in the air when the soil is moved, such as through rain or displacement by animals. Once in the air, individuals can inhale the spores, which is very dangerous for them.
Activists explained that strong winds dispersed the spores through various activities such as farming and construction. However, in May, health officials stirred up the fungal material by claiming that dancing was responsible.
Lightning in a Bottle has occurred at Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area starting in 2019. Following the pandemic, it was paused but resumed at the same physical address in 2022.
According to the festival organizer, “We prioritize the health and safety of all our patrons and are in communication with the California Department of Public Health and Kern County Public Health Department to learn more about Valley fever and any preventative measures we can take to reduce Valley fever risk for future festival events and to make information available to this year’s attendees,” as independent.co.uk reported.