What is Valley Fever?

Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) is an infection caused by a fungus primarily found in the soil of the semi-arid desert regions of the southwestern United States, although the geographic range is expanding. People and animals get Valley Fever by breathing in the fungal spores in the environment. It is not contagious and cannot spread from one person or animal to another. Valley Fever primarily affects the lungs but, especially in dogs, can spread to other areas of the body, such as the bones, eyes or nervous system.