Neuroinflammation and Infection: Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Dysfunction of Neurovascular Unit
Valley Fever Cases Rise In Southern Utah, Linked To Construction Dust, Climate Change
HURRICANE, Utah (KUTV) — Residents in Hurricane are not just concerned about the inconvenience, disruption and mess of construction blasting close to residential areas, but also the potential health risks of inhaling excessive amounts of dust.
Some worry that the dust could carry contaminants, including radon and the fungus that causes Valley Fever, a respiratory illness that is over eight times more common in Southern Utah than the rest of the state, according to a 2021 University of Utah study.
Jeff Nelson, who lives near an active construction site, said the increase in dust has noticeably affected his quality of life.
"My home is filled with dust," he said. "I don't clean my house anymore because I clean it one day and then two days later, it looks like I haven't done anything at all."
Nelson said he has also noticed the dust affecting his health.
"I don't have allergies, but now I sneeze 30 to 40 times a day. Big powerful sneezes," he said.
What is Valley Fever?According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Valley Fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is caused by a fungus that lives in soil. When the soil is disturbed — through blasting, construction or recreational activities like ATV riding — the fungus can become airborne and inhaled.
"When that soil gets kicked up into the air, people can breathe in those fungal spores and it can make them sick," said BreAnn Osborne, an epidemiologist with the UDHHS.
She said that most people who contract Valley Fever experience mild symptoms, but for some the illness can cause severe lung infections.
"Usually people have symptoms like fever, coughing or shortness of breath," Osborne said. "Most people have very mild symptoms, and some don't have any symptoms at all. But, there are some people, particularly those who are older or may be immunocompromised, who can have more severe illness."
In some cases, Valley Fever can cause chest pains, skin lesions or rashes.
Growing Concern in Southern Utah
While Valley Fever is most common in Arizona and California, Osborne confirmed that Southern Utah is a known hotspot for the fungus.
RELATED: Lack of city codes leaves Hurricane residents vulnerable to construction-related blasting
"In Utah, we do know that the southwest portion of the state, particularly the St. George area, is endemic for the fungus that causes Valley Fever," Osborne said.
According to Osborne, the number of reported Valley Fever cases in Utah has been steadily increasing over the past several years.
"We think some of this may be because the region where the fungus can live is expanding, particularly with climate change," Osborne said. "As things get warmer, there are areas expanding beyond the St. George region that are suitable for the fungus to live."
Reducing ExposureOsborne said there are ways to test soil for the presence of the Valley Fever fungus, but, "it's not something ordinary residents can go out and do because it can be costly and may not provide the answers they are looking for."
She said scientists are working to better understand where the fungus is most prevalent. For now, exposure risks remain difficult to predict.
Still, there are precautions that both residents — and builders — can take to mitigate the spread and inhalation of dust.
"For construction workers or people who are digging and disrupting the soil, wetting down the soil can keep more of that dust and dirt on the ground," Osborne said.
A Response From the MayorHurricane Mayor Nanette Billings said via email that "water is required on the developing roadways while working on the project," however, "Hurricane has had a lot of wind in the past and it was named Hurricane for a reason. . . .I am always concerned with the health, welfare and safety of our residents. I can only make sure water is on every developing roadway while the workers are working."
The construction site behind Nelson's property has been spraying the site with water.
However, another Hurricane resident, Valerie Douglas, who lives near a different development site, said she has not seen water used to mitigate dust near her home. She also previously told KUTV that the blasting company working near her home uses sand to contain the debris, rather than blast mats, which is written in the IFC.
"I have had to ask for help from the developers to make sure they are watering often and sufficiently," Billings said. "I will reach out again to the developers and the city inspectors and make sure water is on the developing roadways. I have been assured they are."
She acknowledged that she has seen some videos of the construction blasting within Hurricane.
"I have seen videos in the wind that dust is blowing," Billings said. "I know no one can control the wind besides God — so I can pray for less wind. That is not a facetious statement. . . .I do hesitate to pray for less wind. Wind brings in storms and we need the rain. Rain is so necessary to keep water on the roads. It is a crazy cycle."
She also noted that "the constitution allows all that own property to develop their property within the zoning. First come does not mean they are the only ones to be there."
However, she added that she is "saddened developing the neighborhood next door is affecting people in a negative way."
Osborne recommended residents who spend time in dusty environments consider wearing N95 masks. However, this can be unrealistic for people who are constantly exposed to dust due to construction near their homes.
Hurricane Valley utilizes the International Fire Code for rules and regulations pertaining to construction blasting — however, they have limited code written specifically for their municipality.
Nelson said he has only gotten an hour-or-so notification before a blast, and he's never been delivered a formal notice or flyer.
However, he isn't leaving and will put up with the construction as long as he has to.
"My biggest concern is for my dogs, they hate it," Nelson said. "And, they are taking away my view of Sand Mountain, which makes me sad."
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What Is Valley Fever? How Is The Disease Treated?
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What Is Valley Fever? How The Spore-caused Illness Makes You Sick
Valley fever cases increased in several Southern California counties in 2024, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Caused by the fungus Coccidioides, the illness is contracted by inhaling fungal spores that are commonly found in hot and dry climates. Wet weather can promote the growth of that fungus, making for an uptick in cases when the rainy season hits the Southland.
Activities like construction, walking or strong weather can disturb dirt, which could send those small fungal spores in the air and make people or animals inhale them.
Valley fever symptoms include:
About 6 in 10 people will not show symptoms and their bodies will fight off the infection. It can also be treated with anti-fungal medication.
The illness is not contagious since it's contracted by inhaling the spores. Since the symptoms are similar to respiratory disease, it's best to seek a laboratory test to determine if an illness is valley fever, influenza or COVID-19.
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