After five people were diagnosed with Valley fever following the 2024 Lightning in a Bottle festival, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) encouraged attendees to seek medical attention if they, too, experience symptoms.
Valley fever is a fungal infection that is usually caused by inhaling spores that are expelled from the soil to the surface. The infection can cause respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, and more.
Three of the five attendees diagnosed after Lightning in a Bottle, which took place May 22-27, were hospitalized. KTLA In a statement, festival organizers said CDPH had warned them of a potential “large increase in cases in 2024.” [of Valley fever] due to wet weather” and are working with the State Department to develop preventative measures against it.
“We prioritize the health and safety of all of our patrons and are in communication with the California Department of Public Health and the Kern County Public Health Department to learn more about Valley Fever,” the statement read, “and any preventative measures we can take to reduce the risk of Valley Fever at future festival events and to make information available to this year's attendees.”
It's also worth noting that Valley fever is not contagious, according to… California Department of Public Healthso attendees don't have to worry about spreading the infection if they experience symptoms. The organization has launched an online app survey to gather more information.
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