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Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releas...-vfd072616.php
Public Release: 28-Jul-2016
Valley fever diagnosis often missed
IDSA guidelines note early diagnosis prevents unnecessary treatment, reduces complications
Infectious Diseases Society of America
AT A GLANCE
Coccidioidomycosis - called valley fever - affects more than 150,000 people a year but is underdiagnosed, note new IDSA guidelines.
The fungus that causes valley fever lives in desert soil, and people who live in or visit the southwest are at risk for infection.
Infected patients commonly experience horrible, influenza-like symptoms that last for weeks or months.
While most people don't require treatment, early diagnosis is key to preventing unnecessary tests and treatment and reducing the impact of complications.
Pregnant women, those who are immunocompromised and people with diabetes are at high risk for complications.
ARLINGTON, Va. - For patients with pneumonia or ongoing influenza-like symptoms who live in or have visited the west or southwest United States, especially Arizona and central California, infectious diseases experts recommend physicians suspect valley fever, an often-overlooked fungal infection. Early diagnosis ensures the best management and reduces unneeded tests and treatment, note updated guidelines released by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and published in the journal Clinical Infectious Disease...
Public Release: 28-Jul-2016
Valley fever diagnosis often missed
IDSA guidelines note early diagnosis prevents unnecessary treatment, reduces complications
Infectious Diseases Society of America
AT A GLANCE
Coccidioidomycosis - called valley fever - affects more than 150,000 people a year but is underdiagnosed, note new IDSA guidelines.
The fungus that causes valley fever lives in desert soil, and people who live in or visit the southwest are at risk for infection.
Infected patients commonly experience horrible, influenza-like symptoms that last for weeks or months.
While most people don't require treatment, early diagnosis is key to preventing unnecessary tests and treatment and reducing the impact of complications.
Pregnant women, those who are immunocompromised and people with diabetes are at high risk for complications.
ARLINGTON, Va. - For patients with pneumonia or ongoing influenza-like symptoms who live in or have visited the west or southwest United States, especially Arizona and central California, infectious diseases experts recommend physicians suspect valley fever, an often-overlooked fungal infection. Early diagnosis ensures the best management and reduces unneeded tests and treatment, note updated guidelines released by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and published in the journal Clinical Infectious Disease...