A new study by researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso confirms a significant increase in Valley fever cases in El Paso over the past decade and finds a strong link between the disease and extreme weather, wind and airborne dust.
This study International Journal of Biometeorologyanalyzed reported cases of coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley fever, from 2013 to 2022. Researchers found that the incidence more than tripled during that period.
Valley fever is caused by inhaling soil-borne bacterial spores that become airborne under certain environmental conditions. Although the disease is often mild, it can cause serious respiratory illness and, in some cases, long-term complications and death.
These results suggest that it is not just typical dusty conditions that cause infection, but more powerful and transient environmental events. Extreme winds and dust can disturb the soil and release large amounts of fungi into the air. ”
Dr. Thomas Gill, professor in the UTEP School of Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences, and co-author of the research paper
The research team used advanced statistical modeling to investigate how weather patterns and air quality influence disease trends. According to their findings, the higher rates of illness were associated with temperatures exceeding 102 degrees Fahrenheit last month, wind gusts of up to 104 mph in the past few months, and unusually high concentrations of dust particles in the air, especially those smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter.
Although Valley fever is not contagious and is a reported condition in El Paso County, researchers warn that the disease may be underdiagnosed. Many cases have symptoms similar to other illnesses such as influenza, pneumonia, and even COVID-19, which can delay proper diagnosis and treatment.
Gabriel Ibarra-Mejia, MD, associate professor of public health sciences and one of the principal investigators, emphasized the importance of these findings for public health planning.
“Our study shows that we can predict Valley fever risk based on environmental signals,” Ibarra-Mejia said. “By being aware of the conditions that precede an increase in cases, health officials and clinicians can be better prepared to detect, diagnose and respond to this disease.”
The study also revealed a seasonal pattern, with the highest number of infections reported during the summer months, particularly July and August.
“This study highlights the environmental factors in our region that contribute to the respiration of Coccidioides fungal spores,” said Dr. C. Scott Kruse, dean of the UTEP College of Health Sciences. “This includes air quality and climate-related risks that have significant impacts on public health, especially vulnerable communities.”
El Paso’s location in the Chihuahuan Desert, combined with frequent dust activity and increased development, may further contribute to the increased risk of exposure, Ibarra-Mejia explained. He also pointed out that land disturbance due to construction and urban expansion may also play a role in releasing fungal spores into the air.
Researchers said the findings highlight the need to increase awareness among both the public and health workers, especially in the period following extreme weather events.
“Understanding the relationship between climate and disease is no longer optional,” Gill says. “It’s essential to building resilient communities in areas like ours.”
Narges Khanjani, MD, professor of epidemiology and biostatistics in the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine at Texas Tech Health El Paso, was co-lead author on the study, with additional contributions from researchers at New Mexico State University, the University of California, Merced, and other institutions.
sauce:
University of Texas El Paso
Reference magazines:
Ibarra-Mejia, G. Others. (2026). Rising trends in valley fever in El Paso, Texas and its association with local weather and dust factors. International Journal of Biometeorology. DOI: 10.1007/s00484-026-03159-8. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00484-026-03159-8
