Why are Valley Fever cases rising in El Paso?

Researchers point to causes behind rising Valley Fever

El Paso has seen Valley Fever cases triple in recent years, and researchers say they now know what may be driving the increase. Valley Fever is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides, and the story describes it as a deadly illness that has been rising across the West over the past decade.

What’s happening

• Cases in El Paso have climbed sharply, described as tripling.
• Over the past decade across the region, Valley Fever has produced thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths.
• Researchers believe they have identified what is to blame for the upward trend.

Why it matters for public health

Valley Fever is climate- and environment-sensitive, so rising case counts can signal changes in local risk factors—whether related to air and dust exposure, land use, or other conditions that affect how the fungus spreads. When case rates increase, local health departments typically face more demand for diagnosis, treatment, and public education.

What the story doesn’t specify

The dataset summary doesn’t include the exact “what is to blame” finding—no mechanism, study details, or policy implications are given beyond the claim that researchers know the cause. That limits how specifically families or clinicians can act immediately.

Practical takeaway

Even without the mechanism spelled out in the short summary, the direction is clear: Valley Fever is not just a sporadic infection pattern; it’s an expanding regional problem, and identifying drivers of transmission is central to prevention messaging.

If you’re following this issue, look for follow-up coverage that translates the identified cause into concrete exposure guidance for people at higher risk.