The Arizona Department of Health Services in collaboration with the University of Arizona’s Valley Fever Center for Excellence (VFCE) is hosting a series of events for the second annual Valley Fever Awareness Week. Governor Janet Napolitano proclaimed November 10-16 Valley Fever Awareness Week to draw attention to the progress made in studying Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) and to promote education.

The just-released Valley Fever Annual Report highlights the need for education of the public and the medical community.  The state’s research team tracked where Valley Fever is most likely contracted, why it takes an average of 5 months for Valley Fever patients to be diagnosed, and the average amount of time patients spend recovering.

Through October 31, 2008, there have been 3,564 cases of Valley Fever diagnosed in people.  This is less than the 3,778 through October 2007, but still above the five year average. Valley Fever also affects dogs, horses, and other animals. A discussion about Valley Fever and pets will occur on Thursday, November 13.

On Monday, November 10, ADHS is hosting a kickoff for the week with Deputy Director Will Humble and VFCE’s CEO Dr. John Galgiani.  Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine will discuss the impact of Valley Fever on the community and patients will be available to talk about their experience with Valley Fever.  It starts at 10:30 in the State Lab Igloo Conference Room, 250 N. 17th Ave, Phoenix, Arizona.

For a full list of other events, please visit: http://azdhs.gov/phs/oids/epi/disease/cocci

To view details of the research, click here