Dust storm raises concerns about Valley Fever

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - A dust storm swept through southern Arizona Sunday night, raising concerns about the risk of Valley Fever.

The respiratory illness is caused by microscopic fungal spores that get into the lungs and cause infection. The spores are released when the ground is disturbed due to things like construction, rain, and wind.

Infections primarily occur in Arizona, which accounts for two-thirds of all Valley Fever cases.

John Galgiani, the Director of the University of Arizona Valley Fever Center for Excellence , said the fungus spores, known as “cocci,” are more likely to be inhaled during storms.

“The spores themselves are very small, so it doesn’t take that (much) to get them into the air,” Galgiani said. “Little one-two-three mile an hour breezes could get the