Dear [firstname],
When I came into Congress last year, we faced a public health crisis: the highest rates of Valley Fever ever. However, awareness is lacking, and there are many undiagnosed and untreated cases. August is peak Valley Fever season and Valley Fever Awareness Month.
Valley Fever is caused by inhaling fungal spores found in the soil. Symptoms often resemble the flu, including fever, fatigue, cough, chest pain, headache, and joint aches. Symptoms can persist for months, and the infection can lead to hospitalization, disability, and death. Early detection and diagnosis are critical to successfully treating the disease.
Outdoor workers and farmers are at a higher risk of Valley Fever. Employers can protect workers by controlling dust, providing worker training, and delaying outdoor work during heavy winds.
While I am committed to finding a vaccine and improving testing and treatments, we must spread awareness to protect our community. Find more information here.