By: Arizona Department of Health Services

Valley Fever Awareness Week

The 23rd annual Valley Fever Awareness Week, as proclaimed by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, runs from November 8th to the 16th. This event focuses on spreading awareness of coccidioidomycosis, or Valley fever, through public and healthcare provider education. Do your part and learn more about this disease by scrolling below to view newly released 2024 surveillance data, participate in the University of Arizona telemedicine series, or share our social media messages!

14,763 cases were reported to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) in 2024, a 34.3% increase as compared to the five-year annual median of 10,990; 3,773 more Valley fever infections as compared to 2023. Although total reported infections by month spiked in March to 1,727, a notable resurgence in late fall to early winter reached near similar reporting levels, as displayed in the data dashboard. Moreover, in 2024, 986 patients were hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of Valley fever and 86 died from this disease. Reasons for annual fluctuations are uncertain, but may be associated with weather patterns, healthcare seeking behavior, or testing practices.2024 Arizona Surveillance Data (Newly Released) 2024 County Case Report Totals 2024 Arizona Monthly Case Report Totals There were 986 hospitalizations in 2024, with a primary diagnosis of Valley fever in Arizona* Valley Fever Data – Data from Past YearsADHS has posted Valley fever data, stratified by County and Calendar week/year for years 1997 to 2024. Data limitations and context for the provided years have been posted alongside the dataset under the PDF ‘Coccidioidomycosis Data Caveats.’ Both files can be found at the bottom of the Data, Reports, & Publications webpage. For data requests from a different time or geospatial scale, please complete the ADHS Data Request Submission Form.Patient Advocacy and SupportMyCAREMyCARE is a mycology advocacy, research, and education group, offering guidance to patients on navigating the financial and emotional hurdles associated with a Valley fever infection. Sponsored by MyCARE, interested parties can participate in the virtual Valley fever support group or read up on insurance and healthcare-cost assistance programs.ResourcesADHS Valley Fever webpageADHS Public Educational ResourcesValley Fever Center for Excellence (VFCE) webpageProvider EducationArizona Telemedicine Webinar Series”Managing Valley Fever for Arizonans: It All Starts with Awareness” is set for November 13, 2025, at 12:00 PM MST, and is hosted by the University of Arizona and Banner Health System. Aimed at healthcare providers, the webinar will promote the importance of early diagnosis, testing, and treatment options for Valley fever. Experts, including Dr. John N. Galgiani and Dr. Robert F. Johns Jr., will discuss current challenges and advancements in managing the disease, as well as ongoing efforts to develop vaccines. To register for the event, open the hyperlinked PDF and scan the QR code. For a list of all Valley Fever Center for Excellence VFAW events, please reference their program flyer.ResourcesInfectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Coccidioidomycosis (2016)ADHS Clinician’s Guide to Diagnosing Primary Pulmonary CoccidioidomycosisADHS ‘Pneumonia? Think and Test for Valley Fever’CDC Information for Healthcare Professionals about Valley FeverVFCE Training Manual for Primary Care Professionals To recognize and treat coccidioidomycosis, remember the acronym, COCCI: C onsider the diagnosis O rder the right tests C heck for risk factors C heck for complications I  nitiate management About us:The award-winning, nationally recognized Arizona Department of Health Services is responsible for leading Arizona’s public health system including responding to disease outbreaks, licensing health and childcare facilities, operating the Arizona State Hospital, and improving the overall health and wellness of all Arizonans.