An elevated number of Valley Fever infections across Riverside County prompted health officials Wednesday to urge residents to take precautions and pay attention to signs of illness so they can obtain treatment whenever necessary.

“It’s important to know about the risk of Valley Fever if you work or spend time in dusty environments and have respiratory symptoms that are not getting better after seven to 10 days,” county Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky said. “Symptoms can look very similar to the flu and other respiratory illnesses.”

Infections are concentrated in the lungs, generally stemming from inhalation of fungal spores while working or engaging in other activity outdoors, particularly in dry, windy environments, according to officials.

“Spores can be carried in the ai

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