Valley Fever Identified In Lightning In A Bottle Attendees

Valley Fever

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is urging people who attended the Lightning in a Bottle music festival in Kern County from May 25-29 to be aware of symptoms of Valley fever and to seek medical attention if they develop any. Valley fever is a respiratory illness caused by a fungus that lives in the soil in the southwestern United States. Symptoms of Valley fever can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, and headache. In severe cases, Valley fever can lead to pneumonia or other serious complications.

CDPH Investigation

CDPH is investigating five cases of Valley fever that have been reported in people who attended the festival. The investigation is ongoing, and CDPH is working to identify the source of the infection. CDPH is also urging people who attended the festival to take the following steps to protect themselves from Valley fever:

Avoid contact with soil in areas where Valley fever is common.

Wear a mask when working in or around soil.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.

Get vaccinated against Valley fever.

The Valley fever vaccine is recommended for people who live in or travel to areas where Valley fever is common. The vaccine is available at most pharmacies and clinics. For more information about Valley fever, please visit the CDPH website at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Valley-Fever.aspx.