August is Valley Fever Awareness Month: Protecting Workers from a Hidden Occupational Threat in the Central Valley

As Kern County marks Valley Fever Awareness Month, health experts and attorneys are urging local workers, especially those outdoors, to learn about this hidden workplace hazard and how to protect themselves from an illness that can be life-changing or even deadly.

As Kern County and much of Central and Southern California observe Valley Fever Awareness Month this August, attention is turning to a growing, but often overlooked, hazard facing workers: Valley Fever. With local and state health experts sounding the alarm over rising rates of this dangerous fungal illness, it’s vital for employers and employees alike to understand the risks, know how to prevent exposure, and recognize legal options if someone is harmed on the job.

The City of Bakersfield is expected to declare August as Valley Fever Awareness Month at its city council meeting, according to the agenda. More than 3,000 cases reported in the first three months of 2025, about double the 10-year average, reported Scott Thygerson, chief executive officer of Kern Medical. Kern County set a record last year with 3,990 cases and 49 Valley Fever-related deaths.

—

So, what is Valley Fever, and who’s at risk? Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) is an airborne disease caused by inhaling spores from the fungus Coccidioides, which thrives in dry, dusty soil found throughout Kern County, the Central Valley, and the Southwest United States. For most people, the illness causes flu-like symptoms: fever, cough, fatigue, and body aches. But, it can lead to severe or even fatal infections, especially for those at higher risk like construction and farmworkers, wildland firefighters, agricultural laborers, and anyone who disturbs soil as part of their work. These industries are perhaps most at risk:

• Agriculture and farm labor
• Construction (including road and utility crews)
• Oilfield operations
• Wildfire fighting
• Landscaping and outdoor maintenance

As highlighted by the California Department of Public Health, drier, dustier months (typically summer and fall) see the highest rates of new infections. Rainy winters followed by hot summers also create conditions for increased Valley fever cases in the following year.

Kern County consistently reports among the highest Valley Fever rates in the United States. In recent years, cases have surged, often after environmental triggers like droughts followed by rainy seasons. According to a City of Bakersfield proclamation, the ongoing threat prompted local leaders and health officials to dedicate August as Valley Fever Awareness Month to educate the public and promote prevention efforts.

Work-related Valley Fever is not just a statistic, it has cost lives and livelihoods in Kern County. Take the story of Lucia H., whose husband contracted Valley fever while working outdoors in Kern County. He passed away from the complications, and his case exemplifies the devastating, sometimes fatal, consequences that occupational exposure can have for local families.

Sadly, stories like this are not uncommon, especially among those who work in jobs that disturb the soil. So, how can workers and employers reduce risk?

For Workers:

• Protective Gear: Wear N95 masks when working in dusty conditions, especially if the soil will be disturbed.
• Prevent Dust: Wet down soil before digging, grading, or trenching.
• Positioning: Stay upwind when others are disturbing the soil or when the wind picks up.
• Monitor Health: If you develop a persistent cough, fever, or fatigue after working in dusty outdoor areas, see a healthcare provider and mention possible Valley Fever exposure.

For Employers:

• Training: Provide education for all outdoor workers on the risks of Valley fever and steps for prevention.
• Engineering Controls: Limit soil disturbance when possible and use dust suppression techniques.
• Reporting: Establish protocols for reporting symptoms and encourage early medical evaluation.
• Accommodation: Support workers who need time off or medical care following a Valley Fever diagnosis.

More prevention tips and resources are available from the California Department of Public Health and local outreach toolkits.

—

Many Kern County workers may not know that if they contract Valley Fever on the job, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Under California law, work-related infectious diseases, like Valley Fever, are compensable if they arise from and occur in the course of employment. Workers’ comp. can cover:

• Lost wages and medical expenses
• Temporary or permanent disability
• Death benefits for surviving family members

If you’re diagnosed with Valley Fever and suspect workplace exposure, report the illness to your employer immediately and consult with a knowledgeable attorney who understands this unique workers’ compensation issue. Law Office of Chain | Cohn | Clark is proud to have represented injured workers across Kern County, including those harmed by Valley Fever contracted at work. Their experienced team understands the complexities of proving job-related exposure and fighting for the benefits families need and deserve.

As featured in local media coverage, Chain | Cohn | Clark attorneys remind the community that prompt reporting, documentation, and medical care are key to a strong claim, especially as Valley Fever rates continue to rise.

“With cases on the rise and more workers at risk, Valley Fever Awareness Month is a critical time to talk to your loved ones, coworkers, and employees about this preventable occupational disease,” said Beatriz Trejo, workers’ compensation attorney and partner at Chain | Cohn | Clark. “Share information, advocate for safer worksites, and know your rights.”

———

If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the car accident attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.