What you need to know about dust storms and Valley fever

Every summer, Arizona’s monsoon season typically blows up from June through September, with the most intense storms in July and August. Monday’s massive dust storm, or haboob, is evidence of just how nasty these storms can get.

Dust storms, while a typical part of an Arizona summer, can turn into dangerous events — reaching heights of more than a mile and often spanning tens of miles — causing nearly zero visibility, knocking out electrical power, grounding flights and causing damage to trees and homes.

But do they cause other issues? Are you at a higher risk of contracting Valley fever during these dust storms? Public awareness and understanding about the disease are mixed.

We spoke with Dave Engelthaler , executive director of the Health Observatory at Arizona State University ,