After months of dry weather, could strong winds spread valley fever fungus in Phoenix?
After months with minimal rain, all it takes is a few strong gusts to disturb desert dust, but with dust clouds hanging over the Phoenix area this week, could there be a spike in valley fever cases?
While in theory, windy conditions amid a dry spell could trigger an uptick in cases, it's not definitive.
'We have been learning lately that dust storms don't seem to increase the amount of valley fever fungus in the air or human cases,' said Dave Engelthaler, the executive director of the Health Observatory at Arizona State University. 'It's only if the storm blows through areas where fungus is on the surface.'
Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection common in the Southwest. Fungal spores in the soil can be drawn into the air after disturbances, like construction, farming and windstorms. If people inhale spores, they can be infected with valley fever.
Valley fever can cause asymptomatic infections, but those with symptoms can experience fever, cough, fatigue, headache and shortness of breath. The fungus can also infect animals.
A low-pressure system reaching Phoenix will bring breezy conditions on Thursday, with 15 to 20-mile-per-hour winds and gusts up to 30 mph.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has issued a moderate dust pollution advisory on Thursday, potentially through Friday, depending on whether rain showers reach the Valley Friday afternoon. Rain could clear the air of dust and moisten the soil, keeping dust compact on the ground.
But in areas where the ground has recently been disturbed, winds could cause dusty conditions through Thursday.
Engelthaler leads research testing air filters around the Valley to track when and where spores enter the air.
Coccidioides lives in the soil and grows like a mold. If the soil has been disturbed, it is easier for spores to reach the air. With warm and dry conditions, the soil dries out quickly. If winds hit an area with dry, disturbed soils, it's even easier for the fungus to spread.
Fungal spores: Half of valley fever infections come from Maricopa County: Here's what you need to know
After months of drought and above-average temperatures — Phoenix had a 159-day dry streak earlier this year and February ended as the hottest February on record — it is possible valley fever cases could increase.
But the fungus isn't everywhere, and it may have a harder time growing during dry and warm conditions.
It can be 'pretty patchy' across the desert, according to Engelthaler.
Research shows there's variability throughout the year and across geographical locations, depending more on local activities, weather and whether the fungus is even present.
'It has to be the right conditions in the right place to get it up into the air,' Engelthaler said. 'But having warmer, drier periods will likely increase the number of exposures occurring in the areas where the fungus is.'
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: After Phoenix dry streak, winds stir dust, but not valley fever
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