Valley Fever Cases Linked to California Music Festival

Five attendees of Lightning in a Bottle diagnosed with fungal infection; three hospitalized

Valley fever is caused by inhaling Coccidioides spores found in soil and dust.
Symptoms include coughing, fever, fatigue, and chest pain, appearing one to three weeks after exposure.
The disease is not contagious but can cause severe respiratory issues and, in rare cases, meningitis.
Kern County, where the festival was held, reports a third of California's valley fever cases.
Health officials advise festivalgoers to seek medical attention if symptoms develop.