Health alerts are mounting as several Coachella festival-goers report post-event illnesses tied to Valley Fever, a fungal infection endemic to California’s desert regions. Despite precautions like mask-wearing, Reddit users have shared accounts of severe symptoms following the festival.
What is Valley Fever?
Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) is contracted by inhaling Coccidioides fungus spores prevalent in arid desert soils, including parts of California where Coachella takes place. Symptoms typically emerge within 1 to 3 weeks and include:
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Muscle and joint aches
- Night sweats
- Skin rash
Diagnosis and Medical Advice
Diagnosis often requires a combination of clinical history, blood tests detecting antibodies, sputum cultures, and chest imaging (X-rays or CT scans) to determine lung involvement. Given symptom overlap with other respiratory illnesses, medical consultation is crucial.
Recent Trends
Data from early 2025 show a nearly doubled incidence of Valley Fever in California compared to the past decade, highlighting increased exposure risks at outdoor desert events like Coachella.
What Festival Fans Should Do
- Monitor for symptoms for up to 3 weeks after exposure
- Seek prompt medical evaluation if symptoms arise
- Share any relevant festival attendance info with healthcare providers
- Stay informed via trusted sources such as the CDC Valley Fever page
While not every illness post-Coachella is Valley Fever, vigilance and early care remain essential. Stay safe out there.
Source: r/coachella
