 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| For Immediate Release | Contact: Frances Squire |
| February 27, 2009 | Phone: (559) 934-2134 |
Valley fever public forum set at West Hills College Coalinga
Those interested in learning more about valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) might want to mark their calendars for Tuesday, March 17th, at noon in the West Hills College Coalinga theatre.
Dr. Edward L. Moreno, who heads the Fresno County Department of Public Health, will be on campus to discuss valley fever with students and community members at the free forum. Joining Dr. Moreno on stage will be David Luchini, division manager of Community Health Division, Fresno County Department of Public Health.
According to the Mayo Clinic website, "Valley fever is caused by fungi in the soil. The fungi that cause valley fever can be stirred into the air by anything that disrupts the soil, such as farming, construction and wind. The fungi can then be breathed into the lungs. Valley fever is a form of coccidioidomycosis (kok-sid-e-oi-doh-mi-KOH-sis), or cocci (KOK-si) infection. It can cause fever, chest pain and coughing, among other signs and symptoms.
"More than half of those who inhale the valley fever fungi have few, if any, problems. But some, especially pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and those of Asian, Hispanic and African descent, may develop a more serious and sometimes fatal form of coccidioidomycosis infection."