Kern County dust storms bring hidden danger of Valley Fever, experts warn
If you've lived in Kern County long enough, you're probably no stranger to the annual dust storms that roll through each year. But while these storms might seem like a seasonal inconvenience, there's a hidden danger floating in the air: Valley Fever.
Eyewitness News Chief Meteorologist Miles Muzio explained that Monday's dust storm marked a shift between seasons, moving from the dry months to the beginning of the rainy season.
"It happens every year that we have one of these situations. Because in the dry season, it's very dry, it hasn't rained in months, and so the ground is very prone to dust being raised," said Muzio.
Valley Fever, a potentially serious respiratory disease, originates from spores in the soil, particularly undisturbed soils that can be found in Kern County's foothills near Taft, along the east side, and in the Tehachapi Mountains.
Dr. Royce Johnson, Medical Director at the Valley Fever Institute explained how spores can affect people who breathe them in.
"Then it can float around in the air and if you breathe it in, it sets up housekeeping in your lungs. Now in most people actually, nothing bad happens, your immune system controls it. But in about 40% of people infected, they get a respiratory illness," said Johnson.
Valley Fever can spread beyond the lungs, sometimes even reaching the brain.
Dr. Johnson said that if it spreads there and goes untreated, it can be fatal.
Many Valley Fever cases treated at the institute are people who work in jobs that work around soil, such as agricultural workers and those in the oil industry, who face even greater exposure.
Dr. Johnson stresses the importance of protection.
"They tend to work in soils that are less disturbed than agricultural workers. Digging in undisturbed soils archaeologists, people of that vain are at that substantial risk, and wearing a mask, N95 mask can help prevent that," added Johnson.
According to the from Kern County Public Health, there were over 3,000 Valley Fever cases in 2023, with 25 deaths.
As Kern County moves into the wet season, experts remind residents to take precautions.
