About 80 Californians die every year after contracting Valley fever, a fungal disease that typically affects the lungs.

Valley fever is caused when people inhale microscopic spores of a fungus known as coccidioides, found in soil.

Fungus spores can be rustled from the soil and into the air by activities such as farming and construction, but winds also stir them.

Cases are on the rise.

Close to 10,000 cases of Valley fever have been reported as of October 31 of 2024.

That's about four times the number of cases reported 10 years ago, according to data from the California Department of Public Health.

Historically, most Valley fever cases have been reported in Kern Coun.. but a significant number have also been identified in Los Angeles, Fresno, and in Central Coast counties.

Officials with the Kern County Public Health Department say avoiding dust is the best protection.

That means avoiding going outside on windy days, if possible.

People who have to be outdoors on dusty days could benefit from wearing an N95 face mask.

Many cases are mild and resolve on their own.

Some people may never develop symptoms.

Those who do may experience a cough, fever, chest pain, headaches, and fatigue.

Moderate cases may last months and require antifungal medication.

Valley fever shows many of the same signs as COVID-19, but unlike COVID, Valley fever is not contagious.

Symptoms typically show up 1 to 3 weeks after exposure and may last for a month or more.

Some research has linked the increasing number of cases to the growing incidence of dust storms in the southwest.

As the earth warms, the region is becoming drier, and that means more dust storms blowing fungal spores into the air.

With CalMatters, I'm Ana Ibarra.