Valley Fever Awareness Month.
The resolution highlights the alarming increase in Valley Fever infection rates across California, particularly from 1999 to 2011 when cases surged significantly. The state lacks a systematic tracking method for infections, which complicates understanding and addressing this public health issue. The conditions, particularly the state's historical droughts, exacerbate the prevalence of the fungal spores in the air, thereby posing more risks to the population, especially vulnerable groups including young individuals, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 72 (SCR72), introduced by Senator Fuller, establishes August 2017 as Valley Fever Awareness Month in California. The resolution seeks to draw attention to Valley Fever, a debilitating respiratory disease caused by the inhalation of airborne fungi found in the soil, which can lead to serious health issues, including pneumonia and meningitis if left untreated. Given the state's varying landscapes, including the Central Valley known for its high infection rates, the awareness month aims to increase public knowledge and recognition of this often-misdiagnosed disease.
The sentiment surrounding SCR72 is primarily positive, with a consensus among lawmakers and health advocates on the necessity of raising awareness about Valley Fever. Supporters view the resolution as a critical step toward preventing misdiagnoses and promoting education regarding the disease’s serious implications. Moreover, the measure is recognized as an essential action to address health disparities particularly affecting African American and Filipino communities, who are disproportionately impacted by the disease.
While SCR72 aims to foster awareness on Valley Fever, it also underscores the ongoing challenges related to health care within state prisons, where infections have reached epidemic levels. Such public health resolutions often bring to light concerns about the management of health crises in vulnerable populations, raising questions about the adequacies of current healthcare provisions and the state's response to rising disease rates compounded by environmental factors. This emphasizes the need for continued legislative focus on health education and resource allocation for tracking and treating such infections.