Increased susceptibility to Valley fever for New Mexico residents, as suggested by recent research from Los Alamos
New Mexicans may be at a higher risk for valley fever than previously believed, according to a recent study by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). The study, published in the journal "Pathogens" in June 2023, found that valley fever is more prevalent in New Mexico than earlier data indicated.
The study, authored by New Mexico scientists, collaborated with the New Mexico Department of Health, the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and New Mexico Tech. It suggests that exposure to the fungus Coccidioides, which causes valley fever, occurs more frequently in the state, raising concerns about underestimated risk.
Valley fever is a lung infection caused by coccidioides, a fungus that lives in soil and is typically found in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Southwest. The fungus grows during wet seasons and is dispersed more easily during periods of decreased rainfall.
The study found that New Mexicans could be among the most at-risk populations for valley fever in the country. From 2019 to 2023, the number of valley fever cases reported in New Mexico saw a significant increase, jumping from an average of 42 cases per year in 2006-2010 to 164 cases per year. Counties in the western half and southwestern New Mexico had a higher incidence of valley fever cases per capita, with McKinley, Hidalgo, Luna, De Baca, and Grant having the highest annual incidence.
The reason for this higher incidence rate is not fully understood, and it could be related to geography or genetics. Rodents from Catron, Dona Ana, Sierra, and Socorro counties were found to be positive for the coccidioides fungus, suggesting that the fungus may be more widespread in the state than previously thought.
The study also opens up a new field of research into genetic-based risk factors for valley fever. People who identified as American Indian or Alaska Native in New Mexico had almost twice the incidence rates of valley fever compared to white people.
The study's author, Morgan Gorris, hopes the study will raise awareness of the disease among physicians and the public, leading to faster diagnosis and better health outcomes for those affected. The study was funded by LANL's Laboratory Directed Research and Development program.
If you have any questions or would like to reach out to the author, Cathy Cook covers the federal government for the Albuquerque Journal and can be reached via email at ccook@our website. It is essential to stay informed and aware of valley fever, especially as the risk may be higher than previously believed in New Mexico.
- The latest study by Los Alamos National Laboratory has revealed that New Mexicans may be at a higher risk for valley fever.
- The study, published in "Pathogens" in June 2023, suggests that exposure to the fungus Coccidioides occurs more frequently in New Mexico.
- The fungus, which causes valley fever, is typically found in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Southwest.
- The study collaborated with the New Mexico Department of Health, the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, and New Mexico Tech.
- The study found that New Mexicans could be among the most at-risk populations for valley fever in the country.
- From 2019 to 2023, the number of valley fever cases reported in New Mexico saw a significant increase.
- Counties in the western half and southwestern New Mexico had a higher incidence of valley fever cases per capita.
- The reason for this higher incidence rate is not fully understood and could be related to geography or genetics.
- Rodents from certain counties in New Mexico were found to be positive for the coccidioides fungus.
- The study also opens up a new field of research into genetic-based risk factors for valley fever.
- People who identified as American Indian or Alaska Native in New Mexico had almost twice the incidence rates of valley fever compared to white people.
- The study's author, Morgan Gorris, hopes the study will raise awareness of the disease among physicians and the public.
- The study was funded by LANL's Laboratory Directed Research and Development program.
- If you have any questions or would like to reach out to the author, Cathy Cook of the Albuquerque Journal can be reached via email.
- It is essential to stay informed and aware of valley fever, especially as the risk may be higher than previously believed in New Mexico.
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