What is Valley fever? Symptoms of the fungus disease spreading in California, explained

Valley fever, a disease caused by breathing in a type of fungus primarily found in the Southwest, is on the rise in California, according to the state's department of public health. 

"People who live in or travel to the Central Valley or Central Coast regions of California may be at increased risk of Valley fever through the fall," the department recently warned.

Compared to more than 9,000 reported cases statewide in 2023, there have already been more 5,000 preliminary cases reported this year as of July 1, the department reported.